bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Assessment of the Progress in Yacht Design Through an Examination of Model Yacht Characteristics
Authors: Claughton Andrew , Howlett Ian , Stollery Roger
Published: May 2021

The 'A' class model yacht racing rule devised in 1923 is described and its parallels with their full size metre class rules are discussed. Unlike their full size counterparts, successful model yachts from all decades of the rule's existence survive in good condition. This provides an opportunity to assess progress in yacht design using towing tank techniques. Six championship winning models, representative of typical design types, were tested in the towing tank and the results are presented Windward sailing performance prediction calculations for the models are also using representative soft sail force coefficients. The developments in hull design, sail materials and hull construction leading to the latest 'A' class models are described. The use of model sailing trials as an aid to the design of full size yachts is also discussed.
Keel Design for Low Viscous Drag
Authors: Obara Clifford J. , van Dam C. P.
Published: May 2021

In this paper, foil and planform parameters which govern the level of viscous drag produced by the keel of a sailing yacht are discussed. It is shown that the application of laminar boundary-Layer flow offers great potential for increased boat speed resulting from the reduction in viscous drag. Three foil shapes have been designed and it is shown that their hydro­dynamic characteristics are very much dependent on location and mode of boundary-Layer transition. The planform parameter which strongly affects the capabilities of the keel to achieve laminar flow is lea ding-edge sweep angle. The two significant phenomena related to keel sweep angle which can cause premature transition of the laminar boundary layer are crossflow instability and turbulent contamination of the leading-edge attachment line. These flow phenomena and methods to control them are discussed in detail. The remaining factors that affect the maintainability of laminar flow include surface roughness, surface waviness, and freestream turbulence. Recommended limits for these factors are given to insure achievability of laminar flow on the keel. In addition, the application of a simple trailing-edge flap to improve the hydrodynamic characteristics of a foil at moderate-to-high leeway angles is studied.
The Analysis of Wave Resistance in the Design of the Twelve Meter Yacht Stars & Stripes
Authors: Scragg Carl A. , Chance Britton , Talcott John C. , Wyatt Donald C.
Published: May 2021

During the design of the Twelve Meter yacht STARS AND STRIPES, the design team placed great emphasis upon the minimization of all forms of hydrodynamic resistance: skin friction, lift-induced drag, form drag, and wave resistance. In this paper, the authors discuss methods used to measure, predict, and minimize the wave resistance of Twelve Meter yachts. After a brief review of wave resistance theory, the authors discuss a method by which the wave resistance was determined directly from measured wave-profiles. Numerical techniques used to theoretically predict the curves of wave resistance from the yacht designers' descriptions of hull geometry are examined and the predictions are compared to the experimentally determined wave resistance. Finally, the authors discuss hull optimization techniques, based upon the minimization of the theoretical wave resistance, which enable the yacht designers to develop hull shapes of minimum wave drag.
Stars & Stripes '87; Computational Flow Simulations for Hydrodynamic Design
Authors: Boppe Charles W. , Rosen Bruce S. , Laiosa Joseph P. , Chance Britton
Published: May 2021

Computerized flow simulation methods have been developed, refined, and implemented as an aid for hydrodynamic optimization of the 12-metre yacht "Stars & Stripes 87". Forming one element of a triad, computational analyses and Velocity Prediction Program trends were complemented with 1/3 scale towing tank models and full scale field testing. A background analysis of the yachts "Liberty" and "Australia II" provides a foundation for understanding relative performance issues. In particular, the wave resistance and lift-induced drag (vortex and wave) levels are quantified. Techniques involving Fourier analysis, integral methods, panel methods, and finite difference schemes are described. Parametric studies illustrating trends are augmented with a fundamental description of component-induced flow fields. Two appendices provide details on automation of computational model definition and a new free-surface analysis scheme for predicting wave resistance effects due to volume, lift, and heel. It is shown that the primary benefit of the computational effort is improved performance by means of a systems approach involving element decomposition, sub-optimizations, and element linking based on sensitivity information.
Data Collection and Analysis for the 1987 Stars & Stripes Campaign
Authors: Latcher John S. , McCurdy Richard C.
Published: May 2021

Data collection from full-scale 12-meter yachts was an important part of the project that led to the America's Cup challenger Stars & Stripes. A data system was developed around Ockam on-board instruments with a telemetry link to two DEC Microvax II computers, one aboard the tender and one on shore. Applications of the data obtained include validation and improvement of computer models and towing tank tests used in design; discrimination of performance differences associated with hull, keel and sail changes; and development of on-board computer systems to assist decision-making during races.
Essential Thrombocythemia in a 15-Year-Old Female: Presentation, Workup, and Treatment Considerations in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Flagg, MPAS, PA-C Crystal , Pierce, MPAS, PA-C Brad
Published: May 2021

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a diagnosis most often seen in adults but can also present in children in rare cases. This article reviews the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of ET in a 15-year-old female followed by a review of the literature regarding special considerations in the workup, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of ET in the pediatric population.
Securing small-business and home internet of things (IoT) devices :
Authors: Dodson Donna , Montgomery Douglas , Polk Tim , Ranganathan Mudumbai , Souppaya Murugiah , Johnson Steve , Kadam Ashwini , Pratt Craig , Thakore Darshak , Walker Mark , Lear Eliot , Weis Brian , Barker William C , Coclin Dean , Hojjati Avesta , Wilson Clint , Jones Tim , Baykal Adnan , Cohen Drew , Yeich Kevin , Fashina Yemi , Grayeli Parisa , Harrington Joshua , Klosterman Joshua , Mulugeta Blaine , Symington Susan , Singh Jaideep
Published: May 2021

The goal of the Internet Engineering Task Force's Manufacturer Usage Description (MUD) specification is for Internet of Things (IoT) devices to behave as intended by the manufacturers of the devices. MUD provides a standard way for manufacturers to indicate the network communications that a device requires to perform its intended function. When MUD is used, the network will automatically permit the IoT device to send and receive only the traffic it requires to perform as intended, and the network will prohibit all other communication with the device, thereby increasing the device's resilience to network based attacks. In this project, the NCCoE demonstrated the ability to ensure that when an IoT device connects to a home or small-business network, MUD can automatically permit the device to send and receive only the traffic it requires to perform its intended function. This NIST Cybersecurity Practice Guide explains how MUD protocols and tools can reduce the vulnerability of IoT devices to botnets and other network-based threats as well as reduce the potential for harm from exploited IoT devices. It also shows IoT device developers and manufacturers, network equipment developers and manufacturers, and service providers who employ MUD-capable components how to integrate and use MUD to satisfy IoT users' security requirements.
Revitalisering af inuitisk tradition i Grønland
Authors: Johannsen Sidse Birk
Published: May 2021

Revitaliseringstendensen blandt oprindelige folk har været stigende på det nordamerikanske kontinent siden begyndelsen af 1900-tallet og særligt efter 1960 (Paldam 2017, 136; Fonda 2012, 17, Wallace 1956). I Grønland findes der eksempler på kulturel revitalisering tilbage til 1970’erne; men opblomstringen af inuitiske traditioner og religion er særligt højnet det seneste årti (Krutak 2014, 55; Pedersen 2014, 51). Denne artikels formål er at tydeliggøre de forskellige variationer af, hvor og hvordan opblomstringen af inuitiske traditioner kommer til udtryk i nutidens grønlandske samfund. Artiklen fremhæver variationer og forskelle imellem mainstreamkultur og nichereligiøsitet og præsenterer en model til kategorisering af forskellige grupperinger i feltet. Afsluttende diskuteres revitaliseringsprocessen som henholdsvis etnopartikulær nichereligion eller New Age-tendens med globalt udsyn.
A general model for rapid simulation of hot dense plasmas under non-local thermal equilibrium conditions
Authors: Han Xiao-Ying , Li Ling-Xiao , Dai Zhen-Sheng , Zheng Wu-Di , Gu Pei-Jun , Wu Ze-Qing ,   Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, Beijing 100094, China
Published: May 2021

Aiming at the requirement of the on-line detailed atomic model in radiation hydrodynamic simulations, we propose a general model, multi-average ion collisional-radiative model (MAICRM), to rapidly simulate the ionization and charge state distribution of hot dense plasma under non-local thermal equilibrium (NLTE) conditions. In this model, an average ion is used to characterize the features of all the atomic states at one single charge state, including the average orbital occupation and the total population of the atomic states. The rate equations for the orbital occupations and the population are derived from the rate equations of the detailed configurations and separated into two sets under the two assumptions: one is the single orbital rate coefficients (including no occupation nor hole number of the relative orbital) that are only dependent on the charge state, and the other is the coupling of the excitation/de-excitation process and ionization/recombination process, which are weak. Namely, the orbital occupation of an average ion is mainly determined by the excitation/de-excitation process under a certain density and temperature; the population of the average ions is determined by the ionization/recombination process with the fixed orbital occupation. The two sets of rate equations are solved sequentially and iteratively until a set of converged orbital occupation and population values is obtained. The interplay between the occupation and the population is implicit in the excitation/de-excitation rate coefficient and ionization/recombination rate coefficient, each of which is a function of electron density and temperature as well as occupation. In this work, using the newly developed method and codes, the mean ionizations and charge state distributions of Fe, Xe and Au plasmas under different plasma conditions are calculated and in good agreement with the experimental results and DCA/SCA calculations. Meanwhile, compared with the DCA/SCA calculations, in which hundreds or thousands of detailed atomic states at each charge state are considered to obtain a converged ionization balance, MAICRM only considers one kind of ion at one single charge state, thus the computational cost of MAICRM is much reduced and lower than that of DCA/SCA. Due to its good degree of accuracy for ionization balance and its low computational cost, MAICRM is expected to be incorporated into the radiation hydrodynamic program to realize the online calculation of detailed nonequilibrium atomic models in the future.
Alkali metal iodides and hydroiodic acid additives for phase-stability CsPbI3 films prepared at low temperature
Authors: Yan Ya-Ting , Zhang Jing-Yan , Li Bin-Qi , Zhu Zhi-Li , Gu Jin-Hua ,   Key Laboratory of Materials Physics of Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Microelectronics, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
Published: May 2021

Inorganic cesium lead triiodide (CsPbI3) perovskite films show great prospect due to their high thermal stability and ideal band gap energy. To be used as a photovoltaic absorber, the CsPbI3 must form the black phase (α-CsPbI3). To prepare high-quality CsPbI3 films with phase stability in air at low temperatures, alkali metal iodides and hydroiodic acid (HI) additives are added into precursor solution. The results show that the quality and the phase stability of CsPbI3 with alkali metal iodides and HI additives are obviously improved compared with those with only HI additive. The SEM images show that the CsPbI3 film with 2.5% KI additive becomes more compact than that without KI additive and has no visible pinholes. As the KI additive increases, pinholes start to appear. From the XRD, it can be seen that the crystallinity of perovskite is improved when KI additive increases to 5.0%, while it starts to decrease with KI additive further increasing. The PL intensity of the CsPbI3 film with 2.5% KI additive is higher than the others’, implying a relatively low non-radiative recombination loss and low defect state in that film. And the CsPbI3 film with 2.5% KI additive exhibits increased absorption in the visible region, which is beneficial to enhancing the efficiency of perovskite solar cells. Considering the SEM images, crystallinity, PL intensity and light absorption of perovskite, the optimized KI additive is 2.5% in our work. For the CsPbI3 film with NaI additive, the SEM images show that the films become more compact and have no visible pinholes when NaI additive is 5%. As the NaI additive increases, pinholes appear. The crystallinity of perovskite increases with NaI additive increasing. The PL intensity of the CsPbI3 film with 5% NaI additive is higher than the others’, implying lower defect states in films. And the CsPbI3 film with 5% NaI additive exhibits the improved absorption in the visible region. Considering the SEM images, crystallinity, PL intensity and light absorption of perovskite, the optimized NaI additive is 5%. Therefore, adding alkali metal iodides and HI is an effective method to further improve the stability and efficiency of CsPbI3 perovskite solar cells.
Hierarchical semantic interaction-based deep hashing network for cross-modal retrieval
Authors: Chen Shubai , Wu Song , Wang Li
Published: May 2021

Due to the high efficiency of hashing technology and the high abstraction of deep networks, deep hashing has achieved appealing effectiveness and efficiency for large-scale cross-modal retrieval. However, how to efficiently measure the similarity of fine-grained multi-labels for multi-modal data and thoroughly explore the intermediate layers specific information of networks are still two challenges for high-performance cross-modal hashing retrieval. Thus, in this paper, we propose a novel Hierarchical Semantic Interaction-based Deep Hashing Network (HSIDHN) for large-scale cross-modal retrieval. In the proposed HSIDHN, the multi-scale and fusion operations are first applied to each layer of the network. A Bidirectional Bi-linear Interaction (BBI) policy is then designed to achieve the hierarchical semantic interaction among different layers, such that the capability of hash representations can be enhanced. Moreover, a dual-similarity measurement (“hard” similarity and “soft” similarity) is designed to calculate the semantic similarity of different modality data, aiming to better preserve the semantic correlation of multi-labels. Extensive experiment results on two large-scale public datasets have shown that the performance of our HSIDHN is competitive to state-of-the-art deep cross-modal hashing methods.
Evaluation of pro-apoptotic potential of taxifolin against liver cancer
Authors: Butt Sania Safdar , Khan Khushbukhat , Badshah Yasmin , Rafiq Mehak , Shabbir Maria
Published: May 2021

Liver cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-induced deaths worldwide. Liver cirrhosis and cancer are a consequence of the abnormal angio-architecture formation of liver and formation of new blood vessels. This angiogenesis is driven by overexpression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (Hif1-α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Apart from this, protein kinase B (Akt) is also impaired in liver cancer. Despite the advancement in conventional treatments, liver cancer remains largely incurable. Nowadays, the use of naturally occurring anticancer agents particularly flavonoids is subject to more attention due to their enhanced physicochemical properties. Therefore, this study underlines the use of a natural anticancer agent taxifolin in the treatment of liver cancer using hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 and Huh7. The aim of our study is to devise a natural and efficient solution for the disease prevalent in Pakistan. The study involved the assessment of binding of ligand taxifolin using molecular docking. The binding of taxifolin with the proteins (Hif1-α, VEGF and Akt) was calculated by docking using Vina and Chimera. Further evaluation was performed by cell viability assay (MTT 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) Assay), colony formation assay, cell migration assay, DNA ladder assay and flow cytometry. To see whether taxifolin directly affected expression levels, analysis of gene expression of Hif1-α, VEGF and Akt was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting. In silico docking experiments revealed that these proteins showed favorable docking scores with taxifolin. Treatment with taxifolin resulted in the inhibition of the liver cancer growth and migration, and induced apoptosis in HepG2 and Huh7 cell lines at an inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 0.15 µM and 0.22 µM, respectively. The expression of HIF1-α, VEGF and Akt was significantly reduced in a dose- dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of taxifolin on hepatic cells suggested its chemopreventive and therapeutic potential. The studied compound taxifolin exhibited pronounced pro-apoptotic and hepatoprotective potential. Our study has confirmed the pro-apoptotic potential of taxifolin in liver cancer cell lines and will pave a way to the use of taxifolin as a chemotherapeutic agent after its further validation on the animal models and humans based epidemiological studies.
Bioavailability Studies of Vitamin A and E in Indigenous Vegetables and their Potential Use in the Management of HIV and AIDS
Authors: Nambafu Rachel , Swaleh Sauda , Nyambaka Hudson
Published: May 2021

Levels of vitamins in selected indigenous vegetables in Butula, western Kenya were determined and foods containing high levels of vitamin A and E were used to make food formulation. The bioavailability of these vitamins in food formulation was estimated using algorithm procedure.

Determination of β-carotene and α-tocopherol content was done using HPLC procedure. Fresh blanched vegetables contained high levels of β-carotene; 4000 − 9700 µg/100g and α-tocopherol levels; 3000 − 7350 µg/100g. Solar dried vegetables contained β-carotene levels ranging from 572 − 854 µg/g and α-tocopherol levels ranging from 281 to 673 µg/g dry weights. Solar dried vegetables contained significantly lower (P<0.05) amounts of β-carotene and α-tocopherol as compared with fresh vegetables. The mean serum retinol α-tocopherol and β-carotene levels were 0.937, 0.144 and 17.787µmol/l respectively. Bioavailability estimated using algorithm indicated a +2.17 change in serum β-carotene and +7.776 changes in serum α-tocopherol, a positive indication that consumption of indigenous vegetables can meet the recommended dietary allowances of vitamins A (750 µg retinol equivalent/day) and E (8 mg/day). The bioavailable vitamins are capable of boosting the immune system and therefore delay early use of ARV’S.
Implementation of ICT as a Teaching Tool for Language and Literacy in Primary Schools in Mauritius: Teachers’ Perspectives
Authors: Belle Louis Jinot , Seerauj Kasmira
Published: May 2021

This study focuses on the implementation of ICT as a teaching tool for language and literacy in primary schools in Mauritius. It examines perceptions of primary school teachers of Grades 5 and 6 classes about the benefits, drawbacks and challenges of using ICT tools to enhance the teaching and learning of languages and literacy. The survey research design based on the quantitative research method was used to collect data from 100 primary schools in the district of Moka. The random sampling technique was used. The study indicates that teachers have an average level of perceptions of the drawbacks and challenges that they face in implementing ICT tools in their teaching, but they have a quite high level of perceptions of the benefits of using such tools. The most important finding is that they consider it difficult to use ICT tools in overcrowded classes that are common in Mauritian primary schools and that they are not well trained to use ICT tools to teach effectively and efficiently. It is recommended that, in the context of the new education reform called the Nine Year Basic Continuous Education, the Ministry of Education should review the teacher-pupil ratio and employ teaching assistants or support teachers to facilitate the effective use and implementation of ICT tools to accelerate its strategy towards the digitalization of education in the country.
Differentials in Vitamin A Supplementation and its Association with Child Morbidity in Ethiopia
Authors: Haile Demewoz , Biadglign Sibhatu
Published: May 2021

Objectives: To determine the associated factors for childhood vitamin A supplementation and its association with childhood illness in Ethiopia.

Methods: A secondary data analysis was made from Ethiopia Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) 2011. A total of 10,631 children of age 6-59 months were included for this analysis. Binary and multivariable logistic regression model were used in the statistical analysis.

Results: There was a regional difference in vitamin A supplementation coverage in Ethiopia (P <0.001). Absence of checking after delivery was a significant negative predictor of not receiving vitamin A in the last 6 months (AOR 0.771, 95% 0.612-0.97). Infants who were in the age group of 6-11 months were 80% less likely to receive vitamin A in the last 6 months compared to children of age 47-59 months(OR 0.20, 95% CI, 0.151-0.273). There was no statistically significant association between educational status, place of residence, wealth index, place of delivery and ANC attendance with childhood vitamin A supplementation. Vitamin A supplementation was negatively associated with reporting cough [OR 0.864, 95% CI 0.786-951) but not with diarrheal morbidity and fever in the last two weeks.

Conclusions: Absence of checking after delivery and being in the youngest age group were the significant predictors of not receiving vitamin A for the last 6 months. Vitamin A supplementation was not associated with diarrhea and fever morbidity but negatively associated with reporting cough. Provision and promotion of postnatal care and further research with strong study design to investigate the effect of Vitamin A supplementation on childhood illness were recommended.
Formative Work to Design the Packaging of a Lipid-based Nutrient Supplement for a Home Fortification Program in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Authors: Tripp Katie , Jungjohann Svenja , Clayton Heather , Nanama Simeon , Sandalinas Fanny , Mujinga Winnie , Palma Cristina , Abba Aissata Moussa , Ategbo Eric , Kupka Roland , Mei Zuguo , Nanema Ambroise
Published: May 2021

Objectives: To determine a culturally appropriate product name and package design that would communicate important usage instructions for a lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) for a target population with diverse languages and low literacy.

Methods: Formative work was conducted in two locations in Katanga region, DRC: Mabaya, a rural village and Kipushi, a peri-urban area. In each site, focus group discussions with parents of children aged 0-24 months (3 with mothers, and 1 with fathers) were conducted.  Additionally, two key informant interviews with mothers and health workers were conducted in each location. Two sets of 7 images, one for each LNS sachet in the strip, were tested to assess perceptions of use. Different color options and product names were tested to identify culturally appropriate packaging. 

Results: The majority of participants read the different images on the multi sachet strip as a story line. Participants retained the main messages that the strip should convey: Optimal child feeding and care, product use, target group and potential product benefits. All participants recognized the mother and children in the images as "Congolese". Green and brown were identified as suitable colors for the packaging and were associated with qualities such as growth, and healthy development. The names Kulazuri (eating well) and Afiabora (good health) were preferred. A combination of the first two name proposals "Kulabora" (eating better) was decided upon.

Conclusions: The results from this formative assessment were used to finalize the design of the LNS product, which is currently being distributed in Kasenga health zone.
Factors Associated with Anemia in Pregnancy in Cascades Region in Burkina Faso
Authors: Bernard Ilboudo , Blaise Savadogo G. Léon , Maurice Kinda , Robert Guiguemde T. , Michèle Dramaix-wilmet , Philippe Donnen
Published: May 2021

Objectives: To analyze the factors associated with anemia in pregnancy in the Cascades region in Burkina Faso.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in antenatal clinics of the Cascades region in Burkina Faso during one month from May to June 2012. We collected data on socio-demographics and health characteristics of pregnant women attending these clinics. Hemoglobin was measured to assess anemia. Factors associated with anemia were identified through a multivariate analysis.

Results: A total of 1763 pregnant women, irrespectively of pregnancy stage, were enrolled. The mean (SD) hemoglobin level was 10.6 (1.4) g/dl. The prevalence of anemia in pregnancy was 58.9%, 3.2% of them being severe. Factors associated with anemia were the absence of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria with sulfadoxin-pyrimetamin (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0-1.7), number of pregnancies >6 (OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-1.9). Moderate consumption of local alcohol extracted from Palmyra was associated with a lower prevalence of anemia (OR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5-0.9). Surprisingly, anemia was not associated with supplementation with folic acid + iron (p = 0.60).

Conclusions: Interventions which aim to reduce the prevalence of anemia in pregnancy in Burkina Faso should improve the coverage of the intermittent preventive treatment of malaria and support the limitation of births.
Effect of Different Cladding Material and Mulching on the Growth and Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) under Forced Ventilated Greenhouse System
Authors: Reddy D. Mahender , Lalitha R. , Kannan S. Vallal , Raviraj A.
Published: May 2021

The experiment was conducted at Agricultural Engineering College & Research Institute, Kumulur, (TNAU), Tamil Nadu with the objectives to test the performance of different cladding (blue and white colour polyethylene) and plastic mulches (silver on black colour) on the growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L., Fadia F1, hybrid) to find the suitable cultivation practices for obtaining higher yields in semi-arid regions.

The observations of micro climatic parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, light intensity and soil temperature were recorded in each polyhouse and at control (open cultivation). The plant growth parameters like plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of branches, date of first flowering, number of fruits, individual fruit weight and leaf- area were recorded among all the treatments.

Among the blue and white polyhouse conditions, favourable solar incidental radiation and light intensity was observed in the white polyhouse as compared to blue polyhouse. Among the plastic mulch and without mulch treatments, the plastic mulch showed negative results under polyhouse cultivation where as positive results on growth and yield parameters at open condition (control).  Significant differences were found among the treatments combinations of white poly house condition without mulch treatment on higher fruit size, fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, number of leaves per plant, leaf area and higher yield might be due to higher photosynthetic active radiation than blue polyhouse. The microclimatic condition recorded in blue polyhouse found to be detrimental to the pathogens under certain wave lengths and resulted in lower incidences of pest and diseases but not supported for higher yield due to low light intensity compared to white polyhouse. White polythene film as cladding material for construction of poly house and without mulching is important to achieve higher growth and yield of Cucumber under semi-arid regions.
Chips for Biomaterials and Biomaterials for Chips: Recent Advances at the Interface between Microfabrication and Biomaterials Research
Authors: Guttenplan Alexander P. M. , Tahmasebi Birgani Zeinab , Giselbrecht Stefan , Truckenmüller Roman K. , Habibović Pamela
Published: May 2021

In recent years, the use of microfabrication techniques has allowed biomaterials studies which were originally carried out at larger length scales to be miniaturized as so‐called “on‐chip” experiments. These miniaturized experiments have a range of advantages which have led to an increase in their popularity. A range of biomaterial shapes and compositions are synthesized or manufactured on chip. Moreover, chips are developed to investigate specific aspects of interactions between biomaterials and biological systems. Finally, biomaterials are used in microfabricated devices to replicate the physiological microenvironment in studies using so‐called “organ‐on‐chip,” “tissue‐on‐chip” or “disease‐on‐chip” models, which can reduce the use of animal models with their inherent high cost and ethical issues, and due to the possible use of human cells can increase the translation of research from lab to clinic. This review gives an overview of recent developments at the interface between microfabrication and biomaterials science, and indicates potential future directions that the field may take. In particular, a trend toward increased scale and automation is apparent, allowing both industrial production of micron‐scale biomaterials and high‐throughput screening of the interaction of diverse materials libraries with cells and bioengineered tissues and organs.
Emerging of Heterostructure Materials in Energy Storage: A Review
Authors: Li Yu , Zhang Jiawei , Chen Qingguo , Xia Xinhui , Chen Minghua
Published: May 2021

With the ever‐increasing adaption of large‐scale energy storage systems and electric devices, the energy storage capability of batteries and supercapacitors has faced increased demand and challenges. The electrodes of these devices have experienced radical change with the introduction of nano‐scale materials. As new generation materials, heterostructure materials have attracted increasing attention due to their unique interfaces, robust architectures, and synergistic effects, and thus, the ability to enhance the energy/power outputs as well as the lifespan of batteries. In this review, the recent progress in heterostructure from energy storage fields is summarized. Specifically, the fundamental natures of heterostructures, including charge redistribution, built‐in electric field, and associated energy storage mechanisms, are summarized and discussed in detail. Furthermore, various synthesis routes for heterostructures in energy storage fields are roundly reviewed, and their advantages and drawbacks are analyzed. The superiorities and current achievements of heterostructure materials in lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), lithium‐sulfur batteries (Li‐S batteries), supercapacitors, and other energy storage devices are discussed. Finally, the authors conclude with the current challenges and perspectives of the heterostructure materials for the fields of energy storage.
From Dilute to Multiple Layers: Bottom‐Up Self‐Assembly of Rough Gold Nanorods as SERS Platform for Quantitative Detection of Thiram in Soil
Authors: Li Xinxin , Lin Xiang , Lin Shuang , Zhou Shijie , Fang Guoqiang , Zhao Haiyan , Wang Li , Cong Shulin
Published: May 2021

The nanoparticle density (PD) of the substrates is crucial for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) performance. Here, bottom‐up SERS substrates based on rough gold nanorods (R‐Au NRs) with different PD are fabricated and their SERS property are investigated. In particular, R‐Au NRs are deposited on the Si wafer from sparse to dense through electrostatic interaction and from monolayer to multiple layers by interface self‐assembly technique. It is found that the SERS intensity increases dramatically with increasing PD and remains almost unchanged when the PD increases to 241.22 counts µm−2, and the limited penetration depth of laser is the reason for the intensity saturation. Additionally, similar results are observed in the smooth Au NRs substrates, re‐confirming the PD‐dependent SERS performance. Importantly, the SERS activity of R‐Au NRs substrates is higher than smooth Au NRs substrates in each PD, indicating that R‐Au NRs can produce stronger electromagnetic field enhancement, which is supported by the theoretical simulation results. Finally, it is demonstrated that the optimal SERS substrates can be effectively utilized for the quantitative measurement of thiram in soil. Briefly, the PD of substrates has a great impact on SERS activity, which offers an idea for the design of highly efficient SERS substrates.
Phase and Polarization Modulations Using Radiation‐Type Metasurfaces
Authors: Xu Peng , Tian Han Wei , Jiang Wei Xiang , Chen Zhen Zhong , Cao Tun , Qiu Cheng‐Wei , Cui Tie Jun
Published: May 2021

Metasurfaces exhibit promising capacities in the manipulation of electromagnetic (EM) waves, as to diverse dimensions like amplitude, phase, and polarization; even multiple dimensions can be synchronously modulated. Despite the rapid progress in enriching regulatory capabilities of EM waves, primary feeds are integral items however bringing profile elevation, energy obstruction, and leakage, both for reflection‐type and transmission‐type metasurfaces. Aiming at maintaining high operating efficiency and in meantime implementing multiple dimensional manipulations of EM waves, the authors present a concise design of radiation‐type metasurfaces, whose distinctive feature stands that each meta‐atom serves not only as geometry phase provider, but as radiator itself so as to spare primary feeds. To further achieve full phase modulation for arbitrary linear polarized radiations and abate innate conjugacy to orthogonal circular polarized radiations, the propagation phase is introduced irrelevant to geometry ones. Based on the radiation‐type metasurface with 0.07‐wavelength low profile, the authors verify experimentally advanced radiation functions for different polarizations like orbital angular momentum beams, asymmetric beams, and time‐reversed focusing. Compared with traditional planar arrays that rely on feeding networks to realize phase modulation, this design provides the possibility to achieve direct phase and polarization modulation at the element level, thus is with less complexity.
Effective Phase‐Alignment for 2D Halide Perovskites Incorporating Symmetric Diammonium Ion for Photovoltaics
Authors: Zhang Yalan , Wen Jialun , Xu Zhuo , Liu Dongle , Yang Tinghuan , Niu Tianqi , Luo Tao , Lu Jing , Fang Junjie , Chang Xiaoming , Jin Shengye , Zhao Kui , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: May 2021

New structural type of 2D AA′n−1MnX3n+1 type halide perovskites stabilized by symmetric diammonium cations has attracted research attention recently due to the short interlayer distance and better charge‐transport for high‐performance solar cells (PSCs). However, the distribution control of quantum wells (QWs) and its influence on optoelectronic properties are largely underexplored. Here effective phase‐alignment is reported through dynamical control of film formation to improve charge transfer between quantum wells (QWs) for 2D perovskite (BDA)(MA)n‐1PbnI3n+1 (BDA = 1,4‐butanediamine, 〈n〉 = 4) film. The in situ optical spectra reveal a significantly prolonged crystallization window during the perovskite deposition via additive strategy. It is found that finer thickness gradient by n values in the direction orthogonal to the substrate leads to more efficient charge transport between QWs and suppressed charge recombination in the additive‐treated film. As a result, a power conversion efficiency of 14.4% is achieved, which is not only 21% higher than the control one without additive treatment, but also one of the high efficiencies of the low‐n (n ≤ 4) AA′n−1MnX3n+1 PSCs. Furthermore, the bare device retains 92% of its initial PCE without any encapsulation after ambient exposure for 1200 h.
Investigations toward a Non‐Aqueous Hybrid Redox‐Flow Battery with a Manganese‐Based Anolyte and Catholyte
Authors: Schmucker Maximilian , Gully Tyler A. , Schmidt Alexei , Schmidt Benjamin , Bromberger Kolja , Disch Joey , Butschke Burkhard , Burgenmeister Benedikt , Sonnenberg Karsten , Riedel Sebastian , Krossing Ingo
Published: May 2021

A new all‐Manganese flow battery (all‐MFB) as a non‐aqueous hybrid redox‐flow battery is reported. The discharged active material [Cat]2[MnIICl4] (Cat = organic cation) utilized in both half‐cells supports a long cycle life. The reversible oxidation of [MnIICl4]2− to [MnIIICl5]2− at the positive electrode and manganese metal deposition from [MnIICl4]2− at the negative electrode give a cell voltage of 2.59 V. Suitable electrolytes are prepared and optimized, followed by a characterization in static battery cells and in a pumped flow‐cell. Several electrode materials, solvents, and membranes are tested for their feasibility in the all‐MFB. An electrolyte consisting of [EMP]2[MnCl4] and some solvent γ‐butyrolactone is cycled 500 times, both in a static as well as a flow‐cell, over a period of two months, with coulombic efficiencies up to 83%. With the electrolytes prepared in this work, energy densities up to 74 Wh L−1 are possible, exceeding the VRFB benchmark system, using solely the cheap and abundant element manganese as the active material. Although further optimizations are necessary, this system represents a new and promising setup toward sustainable stationary energy storage.
Soil chemical attributes and nutritional status of soybean and maize intercropped with Urochloa under nitrogen rates
Authors: Ribeiro Barzan Renan , Jordão Luiz Tadeu , Firmano Ruan Francisco , Secato Thiago Rodriguero , Lima Fabio , Ribeiro Barzan Liége , de Oliveira Adilson , Castro Cesar , Alexandre Costa Crusciol Carlos , Zucareli Claudemir
Published: May 2021

Maize (Zea mays L.) intercropping with forage plants has been adopted with the main goal of promoting benefits on soil physical properties. However, a better understanding of soil chemical attributes and crops nutrition under this system is necessary. The objective was to verify whether intercropping maize with Urochloa ruziziensis (Germ. & Evrard) Crins, a tropical forage grass originating in Africa, associated with N rates, could provide modifications on soil chemical attributes and nutritional status of maize and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grown in succession. The experiment was carried out for three agricultural years at field conditions in a Rhodic Hapludox soil under no‐till system in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Fall/winter (March–August) maize cropping systems, sole or intercropped with U. ruziziensis, were associated with four nitrogen (N) rates (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha–1 N) applied as ammonium nitrate (30% N). The soil chemical attributes were not influenced by the factors studied. The N rates linearly increased phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and copper (Cu) concentrations in maize leaves by 29, 30, and 49%, respectively, whereas for soybeans, only the concentration of manganese was raised by 15%. Maize leaf calcium was linearly reduced with N rates only when sole cropped, up to 15%. The cropping systems did not influence nutrient concentrations in soybean leaves; however, maize leaf concentrations of P within 80 and 120 kg ha–1 of N, as well as potassium, S, and Cu at all N rates, were reduced in 9, 6.5, 6.5, and 8%, respectively.
Delineating the Smith‐Kingsmore syndrome phenotype: Investigation of 16 patients with the MTOR c.5395G > A p.(Glu1799Lys) missense variant
Authors: Poole Rebecca L. , Curry Philippa D. K. , Marcinkute Ruta , Brewer Carole , Coman David , Hobson Emma , Johnson Diana , Lynch Sally Ann , Saggar Anand , Searle Claire , Scurr Ingrid , Turnpenny Peter D. , Vasudevan Pradeep , Tatton‐Brown Katrina
Published: May 2021

Smith‐Kingsmore Syndrome (SKS) is a rare genetic syndrome associated with megalencephaly, a variable intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and MTOR gain of function variants. Only 30 patients with MTOR missense variants are published, including 14 (47%) with the MTOR c.5395G>A p.(Glu1799Lys) variant. Limited phenotypic data impacts the quality of information delivered to families and the robustness of interpretation of novel MTOR missense variation. This study aims to improve our understanding of the SKS phenotype through the investigation of 16 further patients with the MTOR c.5395G>A p.(Glu1799Lys) variant. Through the careful phenotypic evaluation of these 16 patients and integration with data from 14 previously reported patients, we have defined major (100% patients) and frequent (>15%) SKS clinical characteristics and, using these data, proposed guidance for evidence‐based management. In addition, in the absence of functional studies, we suggest that the combination of the SKS major clinical features of megalencephaly (where the head circumference is at least 3SD) and an intellectual disability with a de novo MTOR missense variant (absent from population databases) should be considered diagnostic for SKS.
Tracheal tube obstruction as a complication of transoesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Davies E. A. , Templeton R.
Published: May 2021

Complications of transoesophageal echocardiography are numerous and may have serious consequences. We present the case of a 31‐year‐old woman with postoperative airway obstruction secondary to a transesophageal echocardiography probe. The patient had been admitted with acute myocarditis and required temporary mechanical support with a biventricular assist device. She deteriorated on the intensive care unit several hours later with hypoxaemia, high airway pressures and reduced tidal volumes. Sedation was adequate and no external obstruction in the breathing circuit was observed. The tracheal tube was noted to be permanently deformed in the oropharynx, causing airway obstruction. Tracheal tube exchange was required, and the patient recovered from the event. We suspect that the position of the transoesophageal echocardiography probe in the operating theatre had contributed to the deformity, and the presence of airway obstruction was masked by the reduced ventilatory parameters instituted while on mechanical circulatory support. The biventricular assistance devices were explanted subsequently, and the patient was discharged home on day 31. This is the first reported case of a kinked tracheal tube where transoesophageal echocardiography probe placement was suspected to have contributed. A high index of suspicion is required for this complication on the intensive care unit.
Marine spatial plans focusing on biodiversity conservation: The case of the Aegean Sea
Authors: Markantonatou Vasiliki , Giakoumi Sylvaine , Koukourouvli Nikoletta , Maina Irida , Gonzalez‐Mirelis Genoveva , Sini Maria , Maistrelis Kostas , Stithou Mavra , Gadolou Eleni , Petza Dimitra , Kavadas Stefanos , Vassilopoulou Vasiliki , Buhl‐Mortensen Lene , Katsanevakis Stelios
Published: May 2021

The expansion and intensification of marine uses have severe cumulative impacts on marine ecosystems and human well‐being, unless they are properly managed with an ecosystem‐based management approach.

A systematic conservation planning approach, usingmarxan with zones, was applied to generate alternative marine spatial plans for the Aegean Sea. Relevant human uses were included and their cumulative impact on a wide set of key biodiversity features was considered in the analysis. Different cost scenarios were developed to gain insight on the effects of the approaches used to assess socio‐economic factors, and their potential impact on spatial plans.

The spatial plans generated differed greatly depending on the method used to estimate opportunity costs and evaluate human activities in monetary terms.

The vulnerability weights (the relative vulnerability of ecological features to specific human activities and their impacts) that were estimated based on a cumulative impact assessment, allowed the assessment of each zone in contributing to the achievement of conservation targets, through a transparent planning approach.

Results indicate that special care should be given to how socio‐economic activities, their impact on the ecosystems, and related costs are incorporated into planning.

The proposed approach demonstrates how EU member states may effectively comply with the new Biodiversity Strategy 2030 targets, while planning for the sustainable use of their marine resources.
Model‐free control of mechatronic systems based on algebraic estimation
Authors: Pereira das Neves Gabriel , Augusto Angélico Bruno
Published: May 2021

This paper presents the practical application of a class of model‐free control considering the algebraic estimation approach. Two mechatronic systems are considered: a reaction wheel inverted pendulum (RWIP) and a two degree‐of‐freedom (2‐DOF) helicopter. For the RWIP, since it is under‐actuated, it is proposed a modified ultra‐local model including a feedback of the reaction wheel velocity, and then, the algebraic estimator obtains the parameters of this ultra‐local model around the unstable equilibrium point. For the 2‐DOF helicopter, the ultra‐local model is estimated during a tracking task in a wide range of operation. Some insights on how to choose the fixed parameters of controller are presented. Simulation and practical results corroborate the efficiency of the method, without needing any information on the systems' dynamics.