bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Methylene Blue Sorption onto Low-Cost Biosorbents: Equilibrium, Kinetics, and Thermodynamics
Authors: Singh Rekha , Singh Tony S. , Odiyo John O. , Smith James A. , Edokpayi Joshua N.
Published: April 2020

This paper presents a study on batch sorption of methylene blue dye from aqueous solution onto Ginkgo biloba sorbent, a waste material produced during the Fall season in many parts of the world. Batch kinetics, equilibrium, and thermodynamic studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of contact time (0–150 min), sorbent dose (0.5–3.0 g/L), pH (2–11), temperature (30–50°C), initial MB concentration (10–30 mg/L), and particle size (177 μm—590 μm) on the methylene blue dye sorption. More than 99% removal of methylene blue was observed within 120 minutes. A Lagergren pseudo-first-order model, a pseudo-second-order model, and intraparticle diffusion models fitted well to the kinetics experimental data. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models also fitted well with the observed equilibrium data. Additionally, removal of methylene blue increased with increase in solution pH. Higher sorption capacity (∼20 mg/g) was observed with smaller particle size (170 μm) as compared to larger particle sizes (590 μm). Thermodynamic parameters such as ∆G°, ∆H°, and ∆S° indicated that the sorption process was feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic in nature. The study shows that Ginkgo biloba leaves have the potential to be an efficient sorbent for the removal of methylene blue from surface water samples.
Comprehensive Investigation of the Differences of the Roots of Wild and Cultivated Mirabilis himalaica (Edgew) Heim Based on Macroscopic and Microscopic Identification Using HPLC Fingerprint
Authors: Shao Yuanyang , Peng Lian , Lin Hui , Li Jiahui , Yu Yuetong , Cao Guangzhao , Zou Huiqin , Yan Yonghong
Published: April 2020

Mirabilishimalaica (Edgew) Heim (MH) is an important Tibetan medicine with demonstrated medicinal efficacy and promising developmental value. A previous study of MH was limited to vague morphological and microscopic descriptions, restricting its clinical application and further development as a medicine. The goal of this study was to comprehensively characterize wild and cultivated products of MH using macroscopic and microscopic identification using HPLC fingerprint. The results revealed that the cultivated and wild MH exhibited differences in macroscopic and microscopic characteristics and chemical components. This analysis can facilitate the establishment of a more comprehensive quality evaluation method for MH. These results provide the basis for clinical applications and the improvement of quality standards of MH as a step towards modernization of Tibetan medicine.
Computation of Time Delay Stability Margin for the Automated Vehicular Platoon
Authors: Zhang Xunxun , Li Li , Zhu Xu
Published: April 2020

Due to the limited band width and congestion of communication channels in the wireless vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, time delay inevitably arises and dramatically leads to the disturbances for the automated vehicular platoon. This paper focuses on computing the exact time delay stability margin. In this study, we treat this problem as a stability issue of a consensus system with time delay, where each vehicle in the platoon is recognized as a node, and the interconnected information flow is represented as a graph. Then, the distributed controller is designed by combining the states of the vehicle itself and its neighbouring vehicles. Furthermore, the stability of the entire platoon is analysed according to the characteristic equation of the closed-loop system, and a necessary and sufficient condition for the exact time delay stability margin is obtained. Especially, for the automated vehicular platoon with undirected topology, it is revealed that exact time delay stability margin is determined by the largest eigenvalue of the augmented Laplacian matrix. Furthermore, a rapid method for finding exact time delay stability margin is proposed. Finally, numerical simulations demonstrate that this work generates exact and satisfactory time delay stability margin for the automated vehicular platoon.
Characterizations of Trivial Ricci Solitons
Authors: Deshmukh Sharief , Bin Turki Nasser , Alsodais Hana
Published: April 2020

Finding characterizations of trivial solitons is an important problem in geometry of Ricci solitons. In this paper, we find several characterizations of a trivial Ricci soliton. First, on a complete shrinking Ricci soliton, we show that the scalar curvature satisfying a certain inequality gives a characterization of a trivial Ricci soliton. Then, it is shown that the potential field having geodesic flow and length of potential field satisfying certain inequality gives another characterization of a trivial Ricci soliton. Finally, we show that the potential field of constant length satisfying an inequality gives a characterization of a trivial Ricci soliton.
Effects of Weight Loss and Weight Regain on Circulating Biomarkers in Overweight/Obese Breast Cancer Survivors Enrolled in a Weight Loss Trial in the Rural Midwest
Authors: Befort Christie A. , Kimler Bruce F. , Bantis Leonidas E. , Phillips Teresa A. , Fabian Carol J.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Obesity is associated with worse breast cancer prognosis, however little is known about the level of weight loss required to improve pathway biomarkers. The effects of weight regain on biomarkers are also largely unknown.

Methods:

Overweight/obese breast cancer survivors enrolled in an 18-month behavioral weight loss trial provided weight and serum biomarkers [leptin, adiponectin, insulin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), IL-6, TNFα, and hepatocyte growth factor HGF] at baseline, 6, and 18 months (n = 138). Change in biomarkers over time and by weight loss thresholds were examined.

Results:

Mean weight loss at 6 months was 13.3 ± 5.0 kg; from 6 to 18 months, mean regain was 4.0 ± 5.2 kg. Favorable biomarker modulations were observed at 6 months for leptin, adiponectin, insulin, PAI-1, IL-6, and HGF (P < 0.006 to P < 0.0001). These changes remained significant overall at 18 months despite attenuation in some. Women who lost <10% of baseline weight showed significantly smaller modulation effects for leptin (P < 0.0001), adiponectin:leptin (A/L) ratio (P < 0.0001), PAI-1 (P < 0.001), and insulin (P = 0.003) compared with women who lost >10%. Women who lost >10% observed a significant increase in adiponectin (P < 0.0001), and these women continued to show improved adiponectin from 6 to 18 months despite weight regain. Physical activity contributed additional effects on biomarker change for leptin, A/L ratio, and PAI-1.

Conclusions:

These findings are consistent with a clinical target of 10% weight.

Impact:

Sustained increases in adiponectin likely confer benefits for breast cancer prognosis even with weight regain.
Cytomegalovirus Encephalopathy during Brain Tumor Irradiation
Authors: Lawler Sean E. , Chiocca E. Antonio , Cook Charles H.
Published: April 2020

Some patients with brain cancer show extremely short survival postradiochemotherapy treatment for unknown reasons. Recent work shows that this is closely linked to encephalopathy associated with reactivation of latent cytomegalovirus in the host. Importantly, survival can be enhanced by treatment with antiviral drugs.

See related article by Goerig et al., p. 3259
Iron Regulatory Protein 2 Exerts its Oncogenic Activities by Suppressing TAp63 Expression
Authors: Zhang Yanhong , Feng Xiuli , Zhang Jin , Chen Xinbin
Published: April 2020

Iron regulatory protein 2 (IRP2) is a key regulator of iron homeostasis and is found to be altered in several types of human cancer. However, how IRP2 contributes to tumorigenesis remains to be elucidated. In this study, we sought to investigate the role of IRP2 in tumorigenesis and found that IRP2 promotes cell growth by repressing TAp63, a member of p53 tumor suppressor family. Specifically, we found that IRP2 overexpression decreased, whereas IRP2 deficiency increased, TAp63 expression. We also showed that the repression of TAp63 by IRP2 was independent of tumor suppressor p53. To uncover the molecular basis, we found that IRP2 stabilized TAp63 mRNA by binding to an iron response element in the 3′UTR of p63 mRNA. To determine the biological significance of this regulation, we showed that IRP2 facilitates cell proliferation, at least in part, via repressing TAp63 expression. Moreover, we found that IRP2 deficiency markedly alleviated cellular senescence in TAp63-deficient mouse embryo fibroblasts. Together, we have uncovered a novel regulation of TAp63 by IRP2 and our data suggest that IRP2 exerts its oncogenic activities at least in part by repressing TAp63 expression.

Implications:

We have revealed a novel regulation of TAp63 by IRP2 and our data suggest that IRP2 exerts its oncogenic activities, at least in part, by repressing TAp63 expression.
Mesenchymal and MAPK Expression Signatures Associate with Telomerase Promoter Mutations in Multiple Cancers
Authors: Stern Josh Lewis , Hibshman Grace , Hu Kevin , Ferrara Sarah E. , Costello James C. , Kim William , Tamayo Pablo , Cech Thomas R. , Huang Franklin W.
Published: April 2020

In a substantial fraction of cancers TERT promoter (TERTp) mutations drive expression of the catalytic subunit of telomerase, contributing to their proliferative immortality. We conducted a pan-cancer analysis of cell lines and find a TERTp mutation expression signature dominated by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and MAPK signaling. These data indicate that TERTp mutants are likely to generate distinctive tumor microenvironments and intercellular interactions. Analysis of high-throughput screening tests of 546 small molecules on cell line growth indicated that TERTp mutants displayed heightened sensitivity to specific drugs, including RAS pathway inhibitors, and we found that inhibition of MEK1 and 2, key RAS/MAPK pathway effectors, inhibited TERT mRNA expression. Consistent with an enrichment of mesenchymal states in TERTp mutants, cell lines and some patient tumors displayed low expression of the central adherens junction protein E-cadherin, and we provide evidence that its expression in these cells is regulated by MEK1/2. Several mesenchymal transcription factors displayed elevated expression in TERTp mutants including ZEB1 and 2, TWIST1 and 2, and SNAI1. Of note, the developmental transcription factor SNAI2/SLUG was conspicuously elevated in a significant majority of TERTp-mutant cell lines, and knock-down experiments suggest that it promotes TERT expression.

Implications:

Cancers harboring TERT promoter mutations are often more lethal, but the basis for this higher mortality remains unknown. Our study identifies that TERTp mutants, as a class, associate with a distinct gene and protein expression signature likely to impact their biological and clinical behavior and provide new directions for investigating treatment approaches for these cancers.
TMPRSS2 and COVID-19: Serendipity or Opportunity for Intervention?
Authors: Stopsack Konrad H. , Mucci Lorelei A. , Antonarakis Emmanuel S. , Nelson Peter S. , Kantoff Philip W.
Published: April 2020

TMPRSS2 is both the most frequently altered gene in primary prostate cancer and a critical factor enabling cellular infection by coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The modulation of its expression by sex steroids could contribute to the male predominance of severe infections, and given that TMPRSS2 has no known indispensable functions, and inhibitors are available, it is an appealing target for prevention or treatment of respiratory viral infections.
O impacto dos algoritmos no consumo de música
Authors: Santini Rose Marie , Salles Debora
Published: April 2020

Os Sistemas de Recomendação (RS) são definidos como algoritmos que classificam e recomendam produtos culturais a partir de dados sobre as práticas e o comportamento dos usuários.  O objetivo deste artigo é diagnosticar as consequências sociais e culturais dos algoritmos de recomendação de música como intermediários culturais on-line, examinando como e até que ponto eles afetam a percepção cultural, a classificação da música, a formação do gosto, o comportamento do ouvinte e a escolhas dos usuários. Realizamos uma revisão sistemática da literatura para identificar e discutir a produção científica sobre as implicações sociais e culturais de tais algoritmos nas práticas de consumo de música. Foram obtidos 311 artigos a partir de pesquisas bibliográficas em nove diferentes bases de dados científicos. Nossa análise crítica indicou quatro abordagens temáticas principais exploradas pela comunidade científica sobre esse tema entre 2000 e 2016: 1) O papel dos sistemas de recomendação na indústria fonográfica; 2) Impacto dos serviços de streaming no download de música; 3) Viés na classificação e recomendação de conteúdo; e 4) Consumo de música como recurso social. Os resultados revelam a lógica da intermediação cultural via sistemas de recomendação no mercado da música: esses algoritmos influenciam, modelam e mapeiam os gostos e hábitos dos usuários em um ambiente aparentemente livre, diversificado e ao mesmo tempo personalizado.
Intervenção estrutural e construtiva em edifícios antigos: enquadramento metodológico
Authors: Póvoas Rui Fernandes
Published: April 2020

O presente artigo tem como principal propósito apresentar e discutir metodologias de intervenção, focalizadas nos domínios estrutural e construtivo, em edifícios antigos de arquitetura corrente portadores de valor cultural. Na sua gênese, está o entendimento de que grande parte da intervenção que atualmente impende sobre este edificado, se caracteriza pela sua natureza fachadista, frequentemente de reconstrução integral do edifício e com total desconsideração dos valores culturais que os próprios materiais e técnicas construtivas tradicionais que o materializam lhe aportam. Procura-se, assim, através de uma breve revisão das principais recomendações hoje estabelecidas em matéria de conservação e reabilitação de edifícios antigos e da correspondente definição de uma metodologia genérica de intervenção, discutir diferentes abordagens e procedimentos correntes na prática, em correspondência com a natureza dos edifícios intervencionados, para, reconhecida a necessidade de uma aproximação específica para o grupo dos edifícios antigos correntes com valor cultural, apresentar sumariamente alguns estudos recentemente conduzidos, visando a discussão e o desenvolvimento de soluções e abordagens que facilitem a adoção de boas práticas nas respectivas obras de reabilitação, tomando como referência o caso particular da Casa Burguesa do Porto, do século XIX.
IL (Interleukin)-1 Receptor Antagonist Increases Ang (Angiotensin [1–7]) and Decreases Blood Pressure in Obese Individuals
Authors: Urwyler Sandrine Andrea , Ebrahimi Fahim , Burkard Thilo , Schuetz Philipp , Poglitsch Marko , Mueller Beat , Donath Marc Y. , Christ-Crain Mirjam
Published: April 2020

IL (Interleukin)-1 antagonism decreases blood pressure in obese individuals. The underlying mechanisms are unknown. Based on experimental data, we hypothesized an effect of IL-1 antagonism via modulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. In this explorative study, we examined shorter- (2 days) and longer-term effects (4 weeks) of IL-1 antagonism (anakinra/Kineret) on renin-angiotensin system peptide profiles and on hemodynamic parameters assessed by noninvasive measurement in obese (body mass index ≥30 kg/m
2
) individuals from 2 interventional trials (a prospective interventional trial [n=73] and a placebo controlled-double blinded interventional trial [n=67]). A total of 140 patients were included. Systolic blood pressure decreased after short-term (absolute difference −5.2 mm Hg [95% CI, −8.5 to −1.8];
P
=0.0006) and after longer-term treatment with anakinra (absolute difference −3.9 mm Hg [95% CI, −7.59 to −0.21];
P
=0.04), with no change in blood pressure in the placebo group. Upon IL-1 antagonism, equilibrium levels of Ang II (angiotensin II), Ang I, aldosterone, and renin remained unchanged. In contrast, Ang (1–7) peptide levels increased after 4 weeks (between-group difference 16.35 pmol/L [95% CI, 1.22–30.17],
P
=0.03), as well as the Ang (1–7)/Ang II ratio (between-group difference 0.42 [95% CI, 0.17–0.67],
P
=0.02) in comparison to placebo. Consistently, the stroke systemic vascular resistance index significantly decreased in the anakinra group (between-group difference of −62.65 dyn/sec per cm
−5
per m
2
[95% CI, −116.94 to −18.36],
P
=0.008, consistent with a 25% decrease). IL-1 antagonism increased the vasodilatory Ang (1–7) peptide after 4 weeks of treatment in obese individuals, paralleled by a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance. These findings point to an IL-1 mediated blood pressure-lowering mechanism via modulation of Ang (1–7).

Registration—

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifiers: NCT02227420 and NCT02672592.
Does Estimated Pulse Wave Velocity Add Prognostic Information?
Authors: Vishram-Nielsen Julie K.K. , Laurent Stephane , Nilsson Peter M. , Linneberg Allan , Sehested Thomas S.G. , Greve Sara V. , Pareek Manan , Palmieri Luigi , Giampaoli Simona , Donfrancesco Chiara , Kee Frank , Mancia Giuseppe , Cesana Giancarlo , Veronesi Giovanni , Kuulasmaa Kari , Salomaa Veikko , Kontto Jukka , Palosaari Tarja , Sans Susana , Ferrieres Jean , Dallongeville Jean , Söderberg Stefan , Moitry Marie , Drygas Wojciech , Tamosiunas Abdonas , Peters Annette , Brenner Hermann , Njolstad Inger , Olsen Michael H. ,   On behalf of the MORGAM Project
Published: April 2020

The Reference Values for Arterial Stiffness Collaboration has derived an equation using age and mean blood pressure to estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV), which predicted cardiovascular events independently of Systematic COoronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) and Framingham Risk Score. The study aim was to investigate the independent association between ePWV and clinical outcomes in 107 599 apparently healthy subjects (53% men) aged 19 to 97 years from the MORGAM Project who were included between 1982 and 2002 in 38 cohorts from 11 countries. Using multiple Cox-regression analyses, the predictive value of ePWV was calculated adjusting for country of inclusion and either SCORE, Framingham Risk Score, or traditional cardiovascular risk factors (age, sex, smoking, systolic blood pressure, body mass index [BMI], total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Cardiovascular mortality consisted of fatal stroke, fatal myocardial infarction, or coronary death, and the composite cardiovascular end point consisted of stroke, myocardial infarction, or coronary death. Model discrimination was assessed using Harrell’s
C
-statistic. Adjusting for country and logSCORE or Framingham Risk Score, ePWV was associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.23 [95% CI 1.20–1.25] per m/s or 1.32 [1.29–1.34]), cardiovascular mortality (1.26 [1.21–1.32] or 1.35 [1.31–1.40]), and composite cardiovascular end point (1.19 [1.16–1.22] or 1.23 [1.20–1.25]; all
P
<0.001). However, after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, ePWV was only associated with all-cause mortality (1.15 [1.08–1.22],
P
<0.001) and not with cardiovascular mortality (0.97 [0.91–1.03]) nor composite cardiovascular end point (1.10 [0.97–1.26]). The areas under the last 3 receiver operator characteristic curves remained unchanged when adding ePWV. Elevated ePWV was associated with subsequent mortality and cardiovascular morbidity independently of systematic coronary risk evaluation and Framingham Risk Score but not independently of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
Nonvalidated Home Blood Pressure Devices Dominate the Online Marketplace in Australia
Authors: Picone Dean S. , Deshpande Rewati A. , Schultz Martin G. , Fonseca Ricardo , Campbell Norm R.C. , Delles Christian , Hecht Olsen Michael , Schutte Aletta E. , Stergiou George , Padwal Raj , Zhang Xin-Hua , Sharman James E.
Published: April 2020

Self-home blood pressure (BP) monitoring is recommended to guide clinical decisions on hypertension and is used worldwide for cardiovascular risk management. People usually make their own decisions when purchasing BP devices, which can be made online. If patients purchase nonvalidated devices (those not proven accurate according to internationally accepted standards), hypertension management may be based on inaccurate readings resulting in under- or over-diagnosis or treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the number, type, percentage validated, and cost of home BP devices available online. A search of online businesses selling devices for home BP monitoring was conducted. Multinational companies make worldwide deliveries, so searches were restricted to BP devices available for one nation (Australia) as an example of device availability through the global online marketplace. Validation status of BP devices was determined according to established protocols. Fifty nine online businesses, selling 972 unique BP devices were identified. These included 278 upper-arm cuff devices (18.3% validated), 162 wrist-cuff devices (8.0% validated), and 532 wrist-band wearables (0% validated). Most BP devices (92.4%) were stocked by international e-commerce businesses (eg, eBay, Amazon), but only 5.5% were validated. Validated cuff BP devices were more expensive than nonvalidated devices: median (interquartile range) of 101.1 (75.0–151.5) versus 67.4 (30.4–112.8) Australian Dollars. Nonvalidated BP devices dominate the online marketplace and are sold at lower cost than validated ones, which is a major barrier to accurate home BP monitoring and cardiovascular risk management. Before purchasing a BP device, people should check it has been validated at
https://www.stridebp.org
.
Population dynamics of Hemicycliophora conida as affected by different temperatures and absence of hosts
Authors: Ganji Eliyeh , Hieronymus Christina , Finckh Maria R. , Hallmann Johannes , Schmidt Jan H.
Published: April 2020

The effects of temperature and absence of a host plant on the population dynamics of the sheath nematode, Hemicycliophora conida, were studied under glasshouse conditions. Regarding temperature, population dynamics of H. conida on tomato ‘Moneymaker’ were monitored weekly over a period of 12 weeks. In the first experiment, with an average temperature of 21.4°C, population growth of H. conida continuously increased over time from an initial density of 106 nematodes (100 ml soil)−1 to a final density of 820 nematodes (100 ml soil)−1, resulting in a reproduction rate of 7.7. The time required to complete one generation was 6.5 weeks or 598 temperature degree days at 8°C base temperature (TDD8). A second experiment showed that the development of H. conida on tomato was faster at 22.1°C than at 19.0°C. At 22.1°C, one generation was completed after 6 weeks (= 588 TDD8) compared to 8 weeks (=634 TDD8) at 19.0°C. The higher temperature also resulted in a higher reproduction rate (93 at 22.1°C vs 7.8 at 19.0°C). In the absence of a host plant, the population density of H. conida decreased over time. However, this natural decline was less pronounced than for the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne hapla. In the first experiment, the population density of H. conida decreased within 18 weeks by 89.5%, while M. hapla was already no longer detectable 12 weeks after inoculation. In the second experiment, H. conida decreased by 98.2% within 16 weeks compared to 99.98% for M. hapla.
From Alma Ata to the SDG s
Authors: Weber Martin
Published: April 2020

The Alma Ata Declaration of 1978 proclaimed “health for all by the year 2000.” In 2019 health is mainstreamed through the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG s) initiative. Contributing to critical analysis of global health governance (GHG), this article reconstructs the normative premises of the Alma Ata Declaration, the political project it represented, and the successful cases it was inspired by. It contrasts this with an account of the emergence and gradual consolidation of the GHG agenda that is today reflected in the SDG s. The calls for a return to the Alma Ata Declaration resonate strongly among human rights advocates, community activists, and the medical profession. This is because of the socially exclusionary effects of the dominant health governance agenda shaped by distinctively neoliberal premises. The article argues that in the final analysis the two different approaches reflect very different ideas and ideals about “who global health governance is for.”
Arctic Ocean Management and Indigenous Peoples: Recent Legal Developments
Authors: Bankes Nigel
Published: April 2020

This article examines recent legal developments in the management of human activities in Arctic marine areas and considers the extent to which these developments acknowledge or recognize the rights, roles and interests of Arctic Indigenous peoples. These developments include the negotiation of three treaties under the auspices of the Arctic Council: the Agreement on Cooperation on Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue in the Arctic, (Arctic SAR Agreement), the Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Spill Preparedness and Response in the Arctic (Arctic MOSPA), and the Agreement on Enhancing International Arctic Scientific Cooperation (Arctic Science Agreement), the adoption of the Polar Code by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and, most recently, the signature of the Agreement to Prevent Unregulated High Seas Fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean (the CAOF Agreement). It also examines more recent practice under the Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears (ACPB).
Analysis of Youth-Oriented Websites
Authors: ZIZEK Boris , ANDERMANN Hendrik-Zoltán
Published: April 2020

The following paper is an introduction to the image-analytical methods of objective hermeneutics based on an exemplary analysis of a youth-oriented website. In a methodological sketch, the constitutional and fundamental methodological assumptions, procedures and principles are first explained and substantiated. These will then be carried out using the example of an analysis of the mtv website “A Thin Line” in order to illustrate their practical implementation and to enable self-study.
Photovoice as a Tool for Critical Reflection in Communities of Practice for Teachers’ Professional Identity Development
Authors: TO Hing Kwan
Published: April 2020

Professional identity is very important in teaching practice. There is a consensus in the literature that critical reflection can help novice teachers to develop a professional identity. Written form reflective tools such as diaries, reflective papers, and logbooks are conventional instruments for critical reflection among novice teachers. However, written reflective tools have several shortcomings: a) they overly rely on verbal communication; b) there are no standardized guidelines for critical reflection using written-form reflective tools, and c) using written-form reflective tools is an intrapersonal activity. Photovoice has emerged as a new tool for critical reflection in the last few decades. Using photovoice, novice teachers critically reflect through photographs rather than writing. Empirical research has standardized the critical reflective procedure of photovoice. Communities of practice are a signature feature of photovoice. Establishing a community of practice is an effective way for novice teachers to develop a professional identity via interpersonal interaction within a group, sharing their photographs and reflections. Empirical research shows that photovoice enables novice teachers to develop a professional identity. This paper describes the disadvantages of written-form reflective tools and outlines an innovative method of encouraging novice teachers to perform critical reflection.
Hydrochloric Acid Treatment of TiO2 Electrode for Quasi-Solid-State Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Park Dong-Won , Park Kyung-Hee , Lee Jae-Wook , Hwang Kyung-Jun , Choi Yong-Kook
Published: April 2020

Quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell was fabricated by sandwiched polymer electrolyte containing liquid electrolytes between the dye-sensitized TiO2 electrode and a Pt electrode. The influence of hydrochloric acid treatment of TiO2 photoelectrode on the
photoelectronic performance was investigated. Quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cell showed better photoelectronic performance when the TiO2 electrode was treated with hydrochloric acid than that without treatment. The short-circuit current density (Jsc),
the open-circuit voltage (Voc), and a conversion efficiency obtained for an incident light intensity of 100 mW m−2 were 6.49 mA cm−2, 0.76 V and 4.1%, respectively. It was found that the hydrochloric acid treatment of TiO2 electrode
increased the short-circuit current density and cell efficiency.
The Bulk Piezoresistive Characteristics of Carbon Nanotube Composites for Strain Sensing of Structures
Authors: Kang Inpil , Joung Kwan Young , Choi Gyeong-Rak , Schulz Mark J. , Choi Yeon-Sun , Hwang Sung-Ho , Ko Han Seo
Published: April 2020

The bulk piezoresistivity of carbon nanotube (CNT) in polymer matrix was discussed to develop a strain sensor for engineering applications. The polymer improves interfacial bonding between the nanotubes and the CNT composite and that enhances the strain transfer, repeatability, and
linearity of the sensor. The largest contribution of piezoresistivity of the sensor may come from slippage of overlaying or bundled nanotubes in the matrix, from a macroscopic point of view. Nano interfaces of CNTs in a matrix polymer also contribute to the linear strain response compared
to other micro size carbon filler. The strain sensor had a low bandwidth and adequate strain sensitivity. The nanocomposite strain sensor is particularly useful for detecting large strains which can monitor strain and stress on a structure with simple electric circuit for strain monitoring
of structures.
Measurement of Dispersion Stability of Surface-Modified Nanosized Carbon Black in Various Liquids
Authors: Jang Heang Sin , Park Dong-Wha , Shim Sang Eun
Published: April 2020

The dispersion stability of nano-sized carbon black produced by a thermal plasma process was investigated using a novel multiple light scattering method. The effect of surface modification of carbon black on the dispersion stability was monitored in various polar and non-polar liquids
including water, methanol, styrene, and toluene. The results show that carbon black functionalized with carboxylic anion groups has much improved colloidal stability in a polar solvent and the degree of dispersion stability is strongly related to the solubility parameter value of liquids.
In addition, the carbon black with carboxylic anions has a long-term stability without any auxiliary dispersion agent such as a surfactant due to electrostatic repulsion.
Electrical Properties of Polyaniline and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Fibers
Authors: Kim Yu Jin , Shin Min Kyoon , Kim Seon Jeong , Kim Sung-Kyoung , Lee Haiwon , Park Joon-Shik , Kim Sun I.
Published: April 2020

We have fabricated for the first time one-dimensional multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) nanocomposite fibers with improved electrical properties using electrospinning. Polyaniline (PANi) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) were used as a conducting and a nonconducting matrix, respectively,
for hybrid nanofibers including MWNTs. The hybrid nanofibers fabricated by electrospinning had a length of several centimeters and a diameter ranging from ∼100 nm to ∼1 μm. Transmission electron microscopic analysis confirmed that the MWNTs were successfully oriented along
the fiber axis without any severe aggregation during electrospinning. The hybrid nanofibers showed an enhanced electrical conductance with increasing MWNT content up to 0.5 wt%, and compared to PANi/PEO fibers, they also showed a stable linear ohmic behavior. These hybrid conducting nanofibers
can be applied to chemical and biosensors that require a high sensitivity.
Reduction of Interpore Distance of Anodized Aluminum Oxide Nano Pattern by Mixed H3PO4:H2SO4 Electrolyte
Authors: Song Kwang Min , Park Joonmo , Ryu Sang-Wan
Published: April 2020

A self-formed and ordered anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) nano pattern has generated considerable interest in both scientific research and commercial application. However, the interpore distance obtainable by AAO is limited by 40–500 nm depending on electrolyte and anodizing voltage.
It's believed that below-30 nm AAO pattern is a key technology in the fabrication semiconductor nano structures with enhanced quantum confinement effect, so we worked on the reduction of interpore distance of AAO with a novel electrolyte. AAO nano patterns were fabricated with mixed H2SO4
and H3PO4 as an electrolyte for various voltages and temperatures. The interpore distance and pore diameter of AAO were decreased with reduced anodizing voltage. As a result, an AAO nano pattern with the interpore distance of 27 nm and the pore diameter of 7 nm was obtained.
This is the smallest pattern, as long as we know, reported till now with AAO technique. The fabricated AAO pattern could be utilized for uniform and high density quantum dots with increased quantum effect.
The Janus Faces of Nanoparticles
Authors: Donaldson Ken , Seaton Anthony
Published: April 2020

There is an paradox apparent in the fact that nanoparticles have potential use in nanomedicine for imaging and therapy, whereas combustion-derived NP are thought to be responsible for adverse health effects of air pollution. The nanotechnology industry is in the process of producing
a number of new nanoparticles which are as-yet unquantified with regard to both hazard and potential for human exposure. The toxicology of combustion-derived nanoparticles is developing and there is now considerable understanding of how they might drive both adverse lung and cardiovascular
effects, including the importance of small size, large relative surface area and oxidative stress. Medicinal nanoparticles are being developed and tested on a case-by-case basis using testing protocols from biomaterials and drug safety and with regard to risk-benefit. There are considerable
differences in physical and chemical properties and biodegradability between medicinal nanoparticles and the industrial and combustion-derived nanoparticles studied by particle toxicologists and we would anticipate that the bulk of medicinal NP types will be of low toxicity. However, to resolve
the nanoparticle paradox there is a need to advance understanding of the characteristics that control acute and chronic toxicity, translocation, biodegradation and elimination of all of the types of particles likely to gain access to the human body. Much would be gained in this area by collaboration
between particle toxicologists and nanopharmacologists.
Endorsement of Binge Eating Symptoms in a Sample of Predominantly Non-Hispanic Black Adolescents
Authors: Pluhar Emily I. , Abdullah Syidah , Burton E. Thomaseo
Published: April 2020

Binge eating disorder (BED) as well as individual subthreshold binge eating symptoms are related to deleterious physical and socioemotional outcomes among adolescents. The present study examined the prevalence of specific binge eating behaviors among a sample of primarily non-Hispanic Black outpatients presenting to weight management and endocrinology clinics. Analyses are based on 103 adolescents (69.9% female, 66.9% non-Hispanic Black) who endorsed one or more binge eating symptoms on a nonstandardized clinical assessment patterned after Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition ( DSM-5) criteria. The most commonly endorsed symptom was eating in excess of what is considered normal (71.8%), while least commonly endorsed symptoms included guilt, distress, and embarrassment due to overeating (17.5% to 26.2%). More than half of the participants endorsed multiple specific binge eating symptoms. The level of subthreshold symptomatology reported underscores the importance of developmental and cultural tailoring of prevention and intervention efforts to address these behaviors as a means of curbing clinical-level onset of BED.
The racial fix and environmental state formation
Authors: Carrillo Ian
Published: April 2020

Theories of the environmental state – treadmill of production and ecological modernization – have dominated discussion of the political economy of environmental change. While the former contends that the state’s mitigation of labor–capital relations engenders ecological instability, the latter posits that the state’s use of business-friendly incentives can goad producers and consumers to adopt sustainable practices. However, these theories largely focus on dynamics related to class, labor, and markets, and thus overlook the role that race and racism play in the political economy. In contrast, this article argues that racial politics are not peripheral influences, but rather are central to the political economy in which environmental policy formation occurs. The author advances the argument with the concept of the racial fix, which refers to the idea that race and racism are mechanisms for circumventing barriers that slow the treadmill of production. Synthesizing long-standing and emerging research, the author outlines three dimensions – spatial, political, and cognitive – that constitute the racial fix. Overall, this article not only shows how race and racism serve as building blocks for environmental state formation, but also articulates new theoretical paths for studying the relationship between race and environment.
Experience as Evidence: The Prospects for Biographical Narratives in Drug Policy
Authors: valentine kylie , Persson Asha , Newman Christy E. , Hamilton Myra , Bryant Joanne , Wallace Jack
Published: April 2020

Programs and policies are increasingly framed by the logics of “evidence-based policy,” a term subject to critical scrutiny and change after it emerged as an explicit valuing of specific types of quantitative data as objective, and a devaluing of most types of qualitative data. The transfer of “evidence-based” approaches to drug policy was mobilized by a distrust of people who use drugs, and of people who work with them. This distrust remains important, but contemporary policy also mobilizes individual narratives and lived experience through the growing use of biographical stories. Contemporary drug policy, like other policy areas, is also increasingly constituted by changing forms of technology, through new types of data use and data linkage, and of digital and social media. In this article, we consider the current and likely future impacts of changes to policy. We examine two Australian policies: the Australian Priority Investment Approach to Welfare (Try, Test and Learn), and the child protection reform, Their Futures Matter. Both use the “investment approach” to calculate policy costs and aims, represent important developments in the policy figuring of populations, and affect the well-being of many people who use drugs. Based on analysis of these policies, and interviews with people who use drugs who participated in a qualitative study on blood-borne virus serodiscordance, we ask, what are the likely effects, risks, and benefits of these changes for people who use drugs and others subject to public scrutiny and distrust? We argue that as long as the stigmatization of drug use remains prevalent, it is unlikely that the potential for more sophisticated and just recognition of the complexity of drug use will find a place in the forms of information and knowledge recognized in policy as evidence.
Beyond Borders: Governmental Fragmentation and the Political Market for Growth in American Cities
Authors: Stokan Eric , Deslatte Aaron
Published: April 2020

Political fragmentation has been conceptualized as a phenomenon which increases competition for mobile citizens and jobs between local governments within the same region. However, the empirical basis for this nexus between governmental fragmentation and increased competition for development is surprisingly lacking. Utilizing a newly constructed database that matches political fragmentation indices (horizontal, vertical, and bordered) to a nationwide survey of economic development officials in 2014, we begin to fill this gap by analyzing the influence fragmentation has on the use of tax incentives, regulatory flexibility, and community development tools in U.S. cities. Applying the political market framework and a Bayesian inferential approach, we find that the proliferation of local governments increases incentive use. However, more specialized governance increases the probability of using community development activities.
Beyond Wishful Thinking: The Promise of Science Engagement at the Community Level in Africa
Authors: Amzat Jimoh , Amzat Jimoh
Published: April 2020

This article discusses the impediments to science-community engagement and identifies five forms of underdevelopment sentiments: primordial, mystical, ethnoreligious, conspiracy, and fatalistic. It also critically examines wishful thinking, which takes the form of superficial recommendations that do not hold any implications for society except on the paper on which they are written. This article argues that both inadequate community-science engagement and wishful thinking are inimical to the African transformation agenda. The article explains community engagement (CE) as a “practical” paradigm and approach to action research, which provides a way of moving beyond wishful thinking. CE is an implementation research approach that can replace wishful thinking with practical solutions by building a community’s capacity to address its issues scientifically and sustainably. The article concludes that it is through engagement with science and community-oriented implementation research that desired transformations can be achieved in Africa.
Creative friendship and political diversity in Catalonia
Authors: Garcia Yeste Carme , Joanpere Mar , Rios-Gonzalez Oriol , Morlà-Folch Teresa
Published: April 2020

The atmosphere of political confrontation in Catalonia has recently had a considerable impact in WhatsApp groups analyzed within the framework of the IMPACT-EV (Evaluating the impact and outcomes of EU SSH research) project (FP7). We developed a classification of four impacts. (a) In most cases where pro-independence supporters and Spanish nationalists have participated in WhatsApp groups, conversations about Catalan independence have broken groups up due to the groups being deleted, someone being removed, or someone leaving the group. (b) Most groups that have agreed to not speak about the issue have continued without conflict. (c) Groups that have been maintained have survived because their members hold the same political position. (d) Only some groups have persisted despite discussing the topic due to a respect for differing political positions. In this article, we analyze this reality from the conversations of different WhatsApp groups, and by employing the communicative methodology of research, we identify a predominance of links of instrumental friendship in Typology a and links of democratic friendship in Typology d.
Investigating the Relationship between Controller Locations and Dynamic Traffic Control in Generic Transportation Networks
Authors: Rinaldi Marco , Viti Francesco
Published: April 2020

Traffic control policies aim at reducing the negative externalities that ever-growing demand is causing on transportation networks, such as congestion and pollutant emissions. To achieve these goals, strategies coordinating and aligning the effects of several individual traffic controllers have received increasing attention in research and development in the past decades. However, a considerable gap still exists between the desired and experienced performance of advanced dynamic traffic management systems, resulting in failure to completely prevent the increasing peak-hour congestion in main urban areas worldwide. In this work we contribute to assessing whether this gap might be tied to inefficient network design, rather than algorithmic prowess. Based upon our earlier work, we investigate whether a trend can be found between determining locations of controllers in a network following control theoretical insights, and try to confirm our earlier intuitions when dealing with dynamic traffic assignment, featuring accurate propagation and spillback dynamics. To achieve these goals, we extend an existing synthetic network generation tool to allow us to test this hypothesis on real-life-like road networks, and extend our previously developed algorithms for the controller location problems allowing for sufficient generalization. Test results are presented on a simpler deterministic scenario and on 240 randomly generated networks, showcasing that placing controllers following controllability-based principles is advantageous from the perspective of model-based dynamic traffic management applications.
Capacity-Constrained Network Performance Model for Urban Rail Systems
Authors: Mo Baichuan , Ma Zhenliang , Koutsopoulos Haris N. , Zhao Jinhua
Published: April 2020

This paper proposes a general network performance model (NPM) for monitoring the performance of urban rail systems using smart card data. NPM is a schedule-based network loading model with strict capacity constraints and boarding priorities. It distributes passengers over the network given origin-destination demand, operations, route choice, and effective train capacity. A Bayesian simulation-based optimization method for calibrating the effective train capacity is introduced, which explicitly recognizes that capacity may be different at different stations depending on congestion levels. Case studies with data from the Mass Transit Railway network in Hong Kong are used to validate the model and illustrate its applicability. NPM is validated using survey data on left-behind passengers and exiting passenger flow extracted from smart card data. The use of NPM for performance monitoring is demonstrated by analyzing the spatial-temporal crowding patterns in the system and evaluating dispatching strategies.