bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apresentação do dossiê
Authors: Dota Ednelson Mariano , Aragón Luis Eduardo
Published: February 2020

As transformações vivenciadas pela sociedade ao longo do século XX e nestes primeiros anos do século XXI colocou em evidencia fenômenos que tinham papel secundário para as dinâmicas sociais, econômicas e políticas da sociedade.
COMUM: ENSAIO SOBRE A REVOLUÇÃO NO SÉCULO XX
Authors: Zanotelli Claudio
Published: February 2020

Resenha do livro Comum: Ensaio sobre a revolução no século XX
POR UMA GEOGRAFIA LIBERTÁRIA
Authors: Zanotelli Claudio
Published: February 2020

Resenha do livro Por uma Geografia libertária
Editorial
Authors: Scarim Paulo
Published: February 2020

Editorial
Conselho Editorial
Authors: Conselho Editorial Conselho Editorial
Published: February 2020

Conselho Editorial
PARECERISTAS DA EDIÇÃO
Authors: Edição Pareceristas
Published: February 2020

Pareceristas
Analysis of the Chinese wine market and sales of Spanish wine to China: the case of Torres China
Authors: Song Yujia
Published: February 2020

Aim: With a view to finding a method for Spanish wine to open up a wider market in China, this paper analyses the opportunities and threats that Spanish wine faces in the Chinese market in order to understand the Chinese and Spanish wine market, and analyses how Spanish wine exporters export wine to China.

Methodology: Data analysis, bibliographical search and case study. The main source of data on the wine market in China and Spain was the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV). For the information on the case, the company Torres, this was obtained mainly from the content published on their official website.

Results: The study revealed that the main competitors of Spanish wine in the Chinese wine market are France, Chile and Australia. Economic relations and trade policies between countries have a major impact on the wine trade. In addition, Spanish wine exporters need to pay attention to consumer characteristics in the Chinese market, so that Spanish wine can create a clear image for Chinese consumers, combining multiple online and offline distribution channels to improve their performance in the Chinese market.

Limitations: The study identifies different factors that influence the export of Spanish wine to the Chinese market, but lacks more specific figures, coupled with information to be able to analyse in depth the different degrees of importance of these factors.
Shaping the genome of plants
Authors: Chaudhary Ajeet , Tofanelli Rachele , Schneitz Kay
Published: February 2020

Fertilization of an egg cell by more than one sperm cell can produce viable progeny in a flowering plant.
Obama chez moi! The invasion of metropolitan France by the land planarian Obama nungara (Platyhelminthes, Geoplanidae)
Authors: Justine Jean-Lou , Winsor Leigh , Gey Delphine , Gros Pierre , Thévenot Jessica
Published: February 2020

Background

Obama nungara is a species of land flatworm originating from South America; the species was recently described and distinguished from a similar species, Obama marmorata. Obama nungara has invaded several countries of Europe, but the extent of the invasion has not been thoroughly mapped.

Methods

In this article, based on a five and a half-year survey undertaken by citizen science, which yielded 530 records from 2013 to 2018, we analysed information about the invasion of Metropolitan France by O. nungara. We also investigated the variability of newly obtained cytochrome c oxidase 1 (COI) sequences of specimens from France, Italy and Switzerland.

Results

Obama nungara was recorded from 72 of the 96 Departments of Metropolitan France. The species is especially abundant along the Atlantic coast, from the Spanish border to Brittany, and along the Mediterranean coast, from the Spanish border to the Italian border. More than half of the records were from an altitude below 50 m, and no record was from above 500 m; mountainous regions such as the Alps, Pyrenees and Massif Central are not invaded. Local abundance can be impressive, with 100 of specimens found in a small garden. An analysis of our new COI sequences, combined with published sequences of specimens from several countries, confirmed that three clades comprise the species. The first clade, ‘Brazil’, is currently confined to this country in South America; the second clade, ‘Argentina 2’, was found in Argentina and in Europe, only in Spain; and the third, ‘Argentina 1’, was found in Argentina and in Europe, in Spain, Portugal, France, UK, Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland. This suggests that two clades of O. nungara from Argentina have invaded Europe, with one widely spread.

Discussion

The present findings strongly suggest that O. nungara is a highly invasive species and that the population which has invaded several countries in Europe comes from Argentina. The wide dispersion of the species and its reported local abundance, combined with the predatory character of the species, make O. nungara a potential threat to the biodiversity and ecology of the native soil fauna in Europe, and probably the most threatening species of all invasive land planarians present in Europe.
Late Jurassic theropod dinosaur bones from the Langenberg Quarry (Lower Saxony, Germany) provide evidence for several theropod lineages in the central European archipelago
Authors: Evers Serjoscha W. , Wings Oliver
Published: February 2020

Marine limestones and marls in the Langenberg Quarry provide unique insights into a Late Jurassic island ecosystem in central Europe. The beds yield a varied assemblage of terrestrial vertebrates including extremely rare bones of theropod from theropod dinosaurs, which we describe here for the first time. All of the theropod bones belong to relatively small individuals but represent a wide taxonomic range. The material comprises an allosauroid small pedal ungual and pedal phalanx, a ceratosaurian anterior chevron, a left fibula of a megalosauroid, and a distal caudal vertebra of a tetanuran. Additionally, a small pedal phalanx III-1 and the proximal part of a small right fibula can be assigned to indeterminate theropods. The ontogenetic stages of the material are currently unknown, although the assignment of some of the bones to juvenile individuals is plausible. The finds confirm the presence of several taxa of theropod dinosaurs in the archipelago and add to our growing understanding of theropod diversity and evolution during the Late Jurassic of Europe.
Assessment of the vulnerability of alpine grasslands on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Meng , Zhang Xianzhou , He Yongtao , Niu Ben , Wu Jianshuang
Published: February 2020

Assessing ecosystem vulnerability to climate change is critical for sustainable and adaptive ecosystem management. Alpine grasslands on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau are considered to be vulnerable to climate change, yet the ecosystem tends to maintain stability by increasing resilience and decreasing sensitivity. To date, the spatial pattern of grassland vulnerability to climate change and the mechanisms that vegetation applies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on grasslands by altering relevant ecosystem characteristics, especially sensitivity and resilience, remain unknown. In this study, we first assessed the spatial pattern of grassland vulnerability to climate change by integrating exposure, sensitivity, and resilience simultaneously, and then identified its driving forces. The results show that grasslands with high vulnerability were mainly located on the edges of the plateau, whereas alpine grasslands in the hinterlands of the plateau showed a low vulnerability. This spatial pattern of alpine grassland vulnerability was controlled by climatic exposure, and grassland sensitivity and resilience to climate change might also exacerbate or alleviate the degree of vulnerability. Climate change had variable impacts on different grassland types. Desert steppes were more vulnerable to climate change than alpine meadows and alpine steppes because of the high variability in environmental factors and their low ability to recover from perturbations. Our findings also confirm that grazing intensity, a quantitative index of the most important human disturbance on alpine grasslands in this plateau, was significantly correlated with ecosystem vulnerability. Moderate grazing intensity was of benefit for increasing grassland resilience and then subsequently reducing grassland vulnerability. Thus, this study suggests that future assessments of ecosystem vulnerability should not ignore anthropogenic disturbances, which might benefit environmental protection and sustainable management of grasslands on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.
Study of Challenges Faced by Farmers Related to Irrigation Water for Increasing Crop Production
Authors: Chinthalu Vineetha , G. Hegde Narayan , Supekar Ashwini
Published: February 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the groundwater scenario in Haveli block of Pune district in Maharashtra, India. An interdisciplinary approach and techniques in both natural and social sciences was used, to unravel how local hydrogeological conditions and institutional arrangements interact and contribute to water problems. The study also attempted to understand the sources of water available for irrigation, methods of irrigation followed by farmers and to suggest how to improve the surface water use for increasing crop yield and area coverage. The study helped to understand the scope for conservation and protection of natural water resources, reduce overexploitation of groundwater and mitigation of water scarcity faced by the community. Fortunately the present government policy encourages the use of micro-irrigation for promoting sustainable agriculture and to cover larger areas under assured irrigation.
A Study on Perception and Adaptation of the Farmers toward Climate Change in the Western Region of Nepal
Authors: Poudel Parmita , Thapa Sittal , Ghimire Sarthak , Sen Elina
Published: February 2020

Aims: This study was undertaken to identify the perception of farmers towards climate change and their adaptation towards the change. The study also identified the sources of climate change information at the local level and their expectation from concerned authorities regarding the agriculture-related issues pertaining to climate change.

Study Design: The study was conducted in two different geographical region Arghakhanchi (hilly) and Kapilvastu (terai) to represent the major farming region of the country.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in two districts which are Arghakhanchi and Kapilvastu, of western Nepal. A total of 120 samples such that 60 samples each were taken from both districts in the month of September and October of 2018.

Methodology: A semi-structured questionnaire was designed to collect data from participants.

Results: The study has revealed that the majority of the farmers have perceived an increase in temperature, a decrease in rainfall and late on-set of the rainy season. Similarly, radio was found to be the primary source of climate change information, followed by television. Change in planting season and decrease in the farm size under cultivation were found to be the most adapted practices among farmers against climate change. Furthermore, it was found that majority of the farmers expect to have crop insurance and availability of improved variety seeds as support from government and concerned authorities.

Conclusion: Most of the respondents made the accurate assumptions regarding climate change. Understanding the relationship between the climate change and agriculture and perception of people towards those changes is essential. It helps to evaluate possible impacts that may result from further changes in climate and plan suitable adaptation practices. Knowledge about these findings can be useful for making various plans and policies for mitigating the impacts of climate change on agriculture in the studied area.
Tetanus Toxoid Status and Determinants of Uptake among Women in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria: A Community Based Study
Authors: Gabriel-Job N. , E. Yaguo Ide L.
Published: February 2020

Introduction: Nigeria is one of the countries where maternal and neonatal tetanus is still prevalent and as such a public health issue. In spite of campaign on maternal tetanus immunization, its safety and protection against tetanus, uptake has remained poor.

Aim: This study is aimed to determine the level of Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine uptake among women of child bearing age in Rivers State Nigeria.

Methods: Using a cluster sampling method, a descriptive cross-sectional community based study was carried out. The study was carried out in Opiro community in Igbo Agwuru-Asa Clan in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Results: Of the 555 women studied 108(19.5%) of them had received 5 doses of TT while 206 (37.1%) had received at least two doses of TT, giving an overall prevalence of TT utilization among women of childbearing age of 31.7%. Eighty four (31.2%) of women who were ≤ 30 years compared to the 122(42.7%) of the older women had received at least 2 doses of TT vaccine. This was statistically significant (P=0.005, OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.16-2.32), educational level, marital status and occupation also significantly affected Tetanus Toxoid vaccine uptake among the women.

Conclusion: This study concludes that utilization of TT immunization among women is low, that younger age, marital status, level of education and occupation of the women can significantly affect the level of TT uptake among women. There is need to strengthen immunization in this community and to create awareness on the need to get optimal Tetanus Toxoid immunization.
Comparative Evaluation of Puddling Techniques in Sandy Loam Soil
Authors: Prasanthkumar K. , Saravanakumar M. , Gunasekar J. John , S. Sivakumar S. , Masilamani P.
Published: February 2020

Aims: Puddling is a distinct operation to provide standing water condition for paddy cultivation. There are various puddling techniques conventionally adopted by the farmers. In order to scientifically establish the performance of various puddling techniques in terms of puddling quality, they were evaluated and compared.

Study Design: The results were analyzed statistically using factorial experiment.

Place: The study was carried out in the experimental field of Agricultural Engineering College & Research Institute, Kumulur, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India. The texture of the soil is sandy loam (Clay = 12.5%, silt = 15.6% and sand = 71.9%).

Methodology: The conventionally used puddling techniques (viz., cage wheel, rotavator and power tiller operated rotary tool) were evaluated in terms of puddling index and infiltration rate. The evaluation parameters were determined using standard procedure.

Results: The puddling quality was not significantly affected by increasing number of pass from single to double. The power tiller operated rotary tool registered the highest puddling index of 61.18% and the lowest infiltration rate of 17.00 mm d-1 and the rotavator registered the second highest of 58.29% puddling index and 21.00 mm d-1 of infiltration rate. Area coverage was superior in the case of puddling with rotavator due to the larger width.

Conclusion: The overall performance of the rotavator was concluded to be the best among the various puddling techniques compared in this study.
Etiology, Symptomatology and Management of Black Spot of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) through Botanicals and Biocontrol Agents – A Brief Review
Authors: Kumari Mina , K. Jha P.
Published: February 2020

Aloe vera is an important medicinal plant of Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family. It is widely used owing to its wound healing, anti-inflammatory, immunity, antidiabetic, antioxidant, laxative, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Similar to other crop plants, Aloe vera is infected by several plant pathogens that deteriorate its yield and quality. Among various fungal diseases, black spot disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc. is the most serious disease which not only reduces the crop yield and market value but also the antioxidant properties and other medicinal efficacy of the plant. C. gloeosporioides is commonly controlled by chemical fungicides but due to the limitations of applying chemical control methods on medicinal plants, there is a need to look for some safe alternatives. The objective of this paper is to review the previous work on etiology, symptomatology and management of C. gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc. through botanicals (natural plant extracts), biocontrol agents and some safe and ecofriendly chemicals like Azoxystrobin.
Effects of Integrated Use of Calliandra calothyrsus and Maize Stover with Urea on Soil Mineral Nitrogen, Striga Infestation and Maize Yields in Western Kenya
Authors: Nyambati Robert O. , Odhiamboz Duncan G. , K. Serrem Cornelius , O. Othieno Caleb , S. Mairura Frank
Published: February 2020

This study investigated the effects of applying different combinations of two contrasting plant residues, Calliandra calothyrsus (Calliandra) and maize stover, with urea on Striga infestation and maize yield in western Kenya. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 12 treatments replicated four times was used. The following plant residue: urea combinations was used so as to supply a total of 75 kg ha-1 in each treatment combination; 75:0, 60:15, 45:30, 30:45, 15:60, and 0:75 for five seasons (2007-2009). A control treatment where no nutrient inputs were applied was included. Calliandra applied at 45 kg N ha-1 plus urea (30 kg N ha-1) and maize stover applied 15 kg N ha-1 plus urea (60 kg N ha-1) had consistently lower Striga infestation compared other treatments. Negative linear relationship between maize yield and Striga population were observed in the first three seasons i.e. 2007 LR, 2007 SR and 2008 LR. Overall mean maize grain yields over the five seasons were highest (3.0 t ha-1) under maize stover (30 kg N ha-1) combined with urea (45 kg N ha-1) followed by Calliandra (45 kg N ha-1) combined with urea (30 kg N ha-1) with (2.7 t ha-1). Maize stover (30 kg N ha-1) in combination with urea (45 kg N ha-1) increased maize grain yields relative to the control by 275%, 107% and 155% in the first, second and third seasons respectively. Treatments with Calliandra (45 kg N ha-1) in combination with urea (30 kg N ha-1) increased maize grain yields relative to the control by 191%, and 233% in the first and third seasons respectively. The control and sole maize stover (75 kg N ha-1) had the lowest yields across all the seasons. The optimum application rate for stover was 30 kg N ha-1 nitrogen equivalent while that for Calliandra was 45 kg N ha-1.
Isolation and Antibiotic Resistance of Achromobacter xylosoxidans from Non-respiratory Tract Clinical Samples: A 10-year Retrospective Study in a Tertiary-care Hospital in Hungary
Authors: Gajdács Márió
Published: February 2020

Aims: To assess the prevalence of A. xylosoxidans isolated from non-respiratory tract samples from adult inpatients and outpatients and the antibiotic resistance levels at a tertiary-care teaching hospital in Szeged, Hungary retrospectively, during a 10-year study period.

Study Design: Retrospective microbiological study.

Place and Duration of Study: 1st of January 2008 - 31st of December 2017 at the University of Szeged, which is affiliated with the Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, a primary- and tertiary-care teaching hospital in the Southern Great Plain of Hungary.

Methodology: Data collection was performed electronically. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed using disk diffusion method and when appropriate, E-tests on Mueller–Hinton agar plates.

Results: During the 10-year study period, a total of 68 individual A. xylosoxidans isolates were identified (6.8±3.6/year, range: 0-11 isolates). The frequency of isolation in the first half of the study period (2008-2017) was n=22, while in 2013-2017, this number was n=46. The majority of isolates (51 out of 68) were from inpatient departments. 32 out of 68 patients were female (female-to-male ratio: 0.89). The susceptibilities of the respective A. xylosoxidans isolates (n=68) were the following: high levels of susceptibility for imipenem and meropenem (n=63; 92.6%), and moxifloxacin (n=55; 80.9%), while higher rates of resistance were detected for sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (susceptible: n=36; 52.9%), ciprofloxacin (susceptible: n=40; 58.8%) and almost all isolates were resistant to ceftazidime (susceptible: n=3; 4.4%) and cefepime (n=2; 2.9%).

Conclusion: The existing literature on Achromobacter infections in the context of non-respiratory human infections is scarce, as the incidence of these pathogens in clinically-relevant syndromes in low. The developments in diagnostic technologies in routine clinical microbiology will probably lead to a shift in the isolation frequency of these bacteria in the future.
Promotion of Low-cost Package of Technologies for Drudgery Mitigation in Turmeric Production System
Authors: Zend J. P. , Revanwar M. S. , Gaikwad S. S.
Published: February 2020

Major role of farm women in the turmeric production system in Marathwada region was found to be in planting rhizomes, weeding, harvesting and cleaning activities. Ploughing, forming ridges, irrigation are performed solely by male farmers. Whereas participation of farm women in earthing up activity was 85 per cent, it was followed by fertilizer application (83%). Majority of the activities such as planting, earthing up, harvesting in turmeric production system were performed manually. Data on time spent by the female workers in performing different activities in turmeric production system indicated that maximum time-consuming activity was hand weeding (84 man-days/ season)  followed by earthing up (63 man-days/ season) and cutting, sorting and cleaning roots (56 days/ season). As per the work demand score, all the activities performed in turmeric production system were very time demanding and very exhaustive as per the psychological feeling of the farm women. Earthing up is an important intercultural operation which is normally carried out twice or thrice during the crop season, accompanied by weeding and side dressing the crop with fertilizers. No tool or implement is used by farmers for earthing up activity. All the farmers were unaware of the hand-operated machines available for earthing up activity. After performing these activities continuously for 6 h, major health problems of the farm women reported were burning sensation to the skin, skin peeling and allergy. Hence, earthing up tool (Sawdi) small digging tool (Ukari), set of five finger guards (Nakhalya) for planting rhizomes, drying tool (wooden rake) (for making upside down while drying turmeric fingers), sulbha bag for fertilizer application, mittens for cleaning and sorting and new khurpi for weeding were developed and tested. The ergonomic assessment revealed that the physiological cost of selected activities performed by farm women in existing and improved method was same but the perception of workload was found to be reduced (13-32%) in an improved method. All the developed technologies used by farm women in the turmeric production system for planting, earthing up, fertilizer application and drying were successful in increasing space of work. In all these activities, the output was significantly increased by 10-26 per cent due to the use of developed technologies.
Shelf Life of Millet Based Diabetic Mix
Authors: Geetha K. , Yankanchi Geetha M. , Veena B. M. , Hiremath Netravati
Published: February 2020

Millets are good source of nutrients such as fiber, minerals and b-complex vitamins and their regular consumption helps in reducing non communicable diseases. Hence, millets were used in the preparation of diabetic mix and a study was conducted to evaluate the shelf life of millet based diabetic mix.  Parameters such as moisture, free fatty acid, peroxide value and microbial load were assessed for a period of 90 days. Significant increase in moisture, free fatty acid and peroxide value was observed at different storage period, however free fatty acid and peroxide values were in the acceptable range. Bacterial count throughout the storage period was within the safe level, whereas presence of mold and E-coli was not detected during storage period. Above findings revealed that the developed diabetic mix can be stored up to 90 days.
Identifying the key genes and microRNAs in prostate cancer bone metastasis by bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Zhu Zhiguo , Wen Yaoan , Xuan Chunxiang , Chen Qingping , Xiang Qian , Wang Jiamin , Liu Yangzhou , Luo Lianmin , Zhao Shankun , Deng Yihan , Zhao Zhigang
Published: February 2020

Prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa) is the most common cause of death due to malignancy among men, and bone metastasis is the leading cause of mortality in patients with PCa. Therefore, identifying the causes and molecular mechanism of bone metastasis is important for early detection, diagnosis and personalized therapy. In this study, we systematically analyzed molecular correlates of bone metastasis by bioinformatics analysis. A total of 12 differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) and 102 differentially expressed genes were identified. Five miRNAs had prognostic significance in biochemical recurrence‐free survival (miR‐636, miR‐491‐5p, miR‐199b‐5p, miR‐199b‐3p, miR‐28‐3p). The differentially expressed genes were significantly enriched in extracellular matrix, cell‐substrate adhesion, collagen and integrin. Seven hub genes (VCAN, COL3A1, COL1A1, APOE, COL1A2, SDC1, THY1) with worse biochemical recurrence‐free survival and one hub gene (MMP9) with worse overall survival were detected. miR‐636, a novel oncogene, was found to be up‐regulated in bone metastatic PCa tissues and also predominately up‐regulated in human PCa cell lines. miR‐636 promoted cellular invasion and migration, and may promote bone metastasis via targeting MBNL2, TNS1 and STAB1. In conclusion, we have successfully defined molecular signatures of bone metastasis in PCa.
The PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor NVP‐BEZ235 stimulates mutant p53 degradation to exert anti‐tumor effects on triple‐negative breast cancer cells
Authors: Cai Jiajing , Xia Jingruo , Zou Jiang , Wang Qiang , Ma Qiang , Sun Ru , Liao Hebin , Xu Lei , Wang Dongsheng , Guo Xiaolan
Published: February 2020

Nearly half of human cancers harbor p53 mutations, and mutant p53 (mutp53) promotes carcinogenesis, metastasis, tumor recurrence and chemoresistance. mutp53 is observed in 30% of breast carcinomas, including triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC), and thus mutp53 is a promising target for treatment of TNBC. In this study, we investigated the effect of a phosphatidylinositide 3 kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin dual inhibitor, NVP‐BEZ235 (BEZ235), on two TNBC cell lines with mutp53: MDA‐MB‐231 and MDA‐MB‐468. Cell growth, migration and colony‐formation abilities were detected by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide, scratch assay, transwell and soft agar assay, revealing that BEZ235 can inhibit the growth, migration and colony‐formation abilities of TNBC cells. In addition, BEZ235 caused degradation of mutp53 in these cells. We investigated the underlying mechanism by inhibiting proteasome function using MG132 and inhibiting autophagy using 3‐methyladenine and shRNAs. We observed that BEZ235 may induce autophagy through repression of the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway. The observed interplay between mutp53 and autophagy in TNBC cells was examined further by knockdown of ATG5 and ATG7, revealing that degradation of mutp53 induced by BEZ235 may be independent of the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway and autophagy mediated by ATG5 and ATG7. Moreover, we found evidence of positive feedback between mutp53 and autophagy in TNBC cells. In conclusion, BEZ235 may exert antitumor effects against TNBC cells by targeting mutp53, and this may have implications for the development of future therapies.
H∞ filtering of discrete‐time switched singular systems with time‐varying delays
Authors: Charqi Mohammed , Chaibi Noreddine , Houssaine Tissir El
Published: February 2020

In this article, the analysis and design problems of H∞ filtering for a class of discrete‐time switched singular systems with time‐varying delay under an arbitrary switching signal are investigated. The main attention is focused on the design of a linear mode‐dependent filter guaranteeing the regularity, causality, and asymptotic stability of the resulting filtering error system with a prescribed H∞ performance bound. By using a multiple Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional, and utilizing the linearization technique, novel sufficient conditions for the solvability of H∞ problem are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Solving that, the desired filter gains can be determined. Any model transformation of system, which often leads the large computational burden is involved. The free weighting matrix technique is introduced to provide additional degree of freedom, which improves the conservativeness of the developed method. Finally, numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness and the merit of the proposed approach and to compare the obtained results with some previous works in the literature.
Enhanced Microwave Absorption: The Composite of Fe3O4 Flakes and Reduced Graphene Oxide with Improved Interfacial Polarization
Authors: Jiao Shangqing , Wu Mingzai , Yu Xinxin , Zhang Hui
Published: February 2020

Herein, to further improve the microwave absorption performance, the composite of Fe3O4 flakes and reduced graphene oxide (RGO/Fe3O4) via hydrothermal method followed by H2 reduction is rationally designed and synthesized. Compared with pure Fe3O4 flakes and RGO/granular Fe3O4 composite, the obtained RGO/Fe3O4 exhibit remarkable enhancement of microwave absorption. The measurement results indicate that the maximum reflection loss of RGO/Fe3O4 can reach −47.2 dB at the thickness of 2.4 mm and the effective absorption bandwidth less than −10 dB reaches 6.4 GHz (from 11.36 to 17.76 GHz), much higher than that of pure Fe3O4 flakes and RGO/granular Fe3O4 composite. The improved performances are believed to be from the rationally designed heterointerfaces, which are created by the combination of Fe3O4 flakes and graphene. The construction of abundant heterointerfaces is a valid strategy to improve the microwave absorption performance.
Circumventing Wear and Tear of Adaptive Porous Materials
Authors: Canossa Stefano , Ji Zhe , Wuttke Stefan
Published: February 2020

The assessment of the architectural stability of molecular porous materials is not yet a common practice, but critical to their understanding and development. The conformational adaptation of porous materials to guest binding and other chemical dynamics poses a risk of architectural damage, leading to performance deterioration during their prolonged usage. The deformation of the framework backbone and the disconnection of building units are driven by chemical, mechanical, and thermal perturbations, and can be quantitatively described by the term connection completeness. Analytical means that can be used to measure this parameter are presented in order to provide a standard, practical protocol for evaluating architectural damage made to framework materials. Preventive and remedial strategies are proposed for enhancing the architectural integrity of frameworks without compromising their functional mechanisms, paving the way to the design of robust yet adaptive materials. In this way, the discussion on architectural stability is initiated, and readers are encouraged to carefully characterize molecular porous materials for a better understanding of their structure‐property relationship.
Ultrathin Amorphous Silica Membrane Enhances Proton Transfer across Solid‐to‐Solid Interfaces of Stacked Metal Oxide Nanolayers while Blocking Oxygen
Authors: Jo Won Jun , Katsoukis Georgios , Frei Heinz
Published: February 2020

A large jump of proton transfer rates across solid‐to‐solid interfaces by inserting an ultrathin amorphous silica layer into stacked metal oxide nanolayers is discovered using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Fourier‐transform infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (FT‐IRRAS). The triple stacked nanolayers of Co3O4, SiO2, and TiO2 prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD) enable a proton flux of 2400 ± 60 s−1 nm−2 (pH 4, room temperature), while a single TiO2 (5 nm) layer exhibits a threefold lower flux of 830 s−1 nm−2. Based on FT‐IRRAS measurements, this remarkable enhancement is proposed to originate from the sandwiched silica layer forming interfacial SiOTi and SiOCo linkages to TiO2 and Co3O4 nanolayers, respectively, with the O bridges providing fast H+ hopping pathways across the solid‐to‐solid interfaces. Together with the complete O2 impermeability of a 2 nm ALD‐grown SiO2 layer, the high flux for proton transport across multi‐stack metal oxide layers opens up the integration of incompatible catalytic environments to form functional nanoscale assemblies such as artificial photosystems for CO2 reduction by H2O.
A Novel Moisture‐Insensitive and Low‐Corrosivity Ionic Liquid Electrolyte for Rechargeable Aluminum Batteries
Authors: Li Chi , Patra Jagabandhu , Li Ju , Rath Purna Chandra , Lin Ming‐Hsien , Chang Jeng‐Kuei
Published: February 2020

Rechargeable aluminum batteries (RABs) are extensively developed due to their cost‐effectiveness, eco‐friendliness, and low flammability and the earth abundance of their electrode materials. However, the commonly used RAB ionic liquid (IL) electrolyte is highly moisture‐sensitive and corrosive. To address these problems, a 4‐ethylpyridine/AlCl3 IL is proposed. The effects of the AlCl3 to 4‐ethylpyridine molar ratio on the electrode charge–discharge properties are systematically examined. A maximum graphite capacity of 95 mAh g−1 is obtained at 25 mA g−1. After 1000 charge–discharge cycles, ≈85% of the initial capacity can be retained. In situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction is employed to examine the electrode reaction mechanism. In addition, low corrosion rates of Al, Cu, Ni, and carbon‐fiber paper electrodes are confirmed in the 4‐ethylpyridine/AlCl3 IL. When opened to the ambient atmosphere, the measured capacity of the graphite cathode is only slightly lower than that found in a N2‐filled glove box; moreover, the capacity retention upon 100 cycles is as high as 75%. The results clearly indicate the great potential of this electrolyte for practical RAB applications.
Synthesis of Co‐Doped MoS2 Monolayers with Enhanced Valley Splitting
Authors: Zhou Jiadong , Lin Junhao , Sims Hunter , Jiang Chongyun , Cong Chunxiao , Brehm John A. , Zhang Zhaowei , Niu Lin , Chen Yu , Zhou Yao , Wang Yanlong , Liu Fucai , Zhu Chao , Yu Ting , Suenaga Kazu , Mishra Rohan , Pantelides Sokrates T. , Zhu Zhen‐Gang , Gao Weibo , Liu Zheng , Zhou Wu
Published: February 2020

Internal magnetic moments induced by magnetic dopants in MoS2 monolayers are shown to serve as a new means to engineer valley Zeeman splitting (VZS). Specifically, successful synthesis of monolayer MoS2 doped with the magnetic element Co is reported, and the magnitude of the valley splitting is engineered by manipulating the dopant concentration. Valley splittings of 3.9, 5.2, and 6.15 meV at 7 T in Co‐doped MoS2 with Co concentrations of 0.8%, 1.7%, and 2.5%, respectively, are achieved as revealed by polarization‐resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Atomic‐resolution electron microscopy studies clearly identify the magnetic sites of Co substitution in the MoS2 lattice, forming two distinct types of configurations, namely isolated single dopants and tridopant clusters. Density functional theory (DFT) and model calculations reveal that the observed enhanced VZS arises from an internal magnetic field induced by the tridopant clusters, which couples to the spin, atomic orbital, and valley magnetic moment of carriers from the conduction and valence bands. The present study demonstrates a new method to control the valley pseudospin via magnetic dopants in layered semiconducting materials, paving the way toward magneto‐optical and spintronic devices.
Uncertainty, Learning, and Technology Adoption in Agriculture
Authors: Chavas Jean‐Paul , Nauges Céline
Published: February 2020

Adoption of agricultural innovations has been an important factor affecting the welfare of farmers, the productivity of agriculture and the economics of the food sector. This paper reviews the literature on technology adoption in agriculture with a focus on the role of uncertainty and learning. It examines the factors affecting adoption benefits for farmers and their linkages with the innovation process. It also discusses the welfare implications of innovation and adoption for farmers and consumers.
Marketing and Technology Adoption and Diffusion
Authors: Heiman Amir , Ferguson Joel , Zilberman David
Published: February 2020

Applied economists have investigated individual adoption choices as well as diffusion (aggregate adoption). The emphasis, however, has been on adopters' behavior and risk associated with production and markets. Marketing also considers broader aspects and marketers develop tools to address risk related to the fit of a product, its performance, and its reliability. This paper expands the economic literature on adoption by analyzing and assessing the implications of the choice of marketing tools, like money‐back guarantees, demonstrations, and others, by marketers. The analysis is based on the threshold model of diffusion, which recognizes heterogeneity and dynamics. We provide evidence and examples from agriculture.
Effect of dispersed phase feed time on the droplet size of Pickering emulsions produced in a stirred tank
Authors: Donmez Dila , Ayranci Inci
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of feed time of the oil phase on the average droplet size of Pickering emulsions produced in stirred tanks. Three types of impellers were tested: RT, up‐pumping PBT (PBTU), and down‐pumping PBT (PBTD). All the impellers were tested at two sizes, T/3 and T/2. All configurations were compared at constant tip speed, power per mass, and impeller Reynolds number. The droplet diameters were measured in Mastersizer® 3,000 (Malvern). The results showed that an increase in feed time causes a reduction in the average droplet size. At lower impeller speeds and higher feed times, the effect is more pronounced. It was found that some other geometric parameters also have an impact on the average droplet size.
Influence of parental perceived environment on physical activity, TV viewing, active play and Body Mass Index among Portuguese children: A mediation analysis
Authors: do Carmo Ariene S. , Rodrigues Daniela , Nogueira Helena , Mendes Larissa L. , dos Santos Luana C. , Gama Augusta , Machado‐Rodrigues Aristides M. , Silva Maria‐Raquel G. , Rosado‐Marques Vítor , Padez Cristina
Published: February 2020

Objectives

The environment is believed to be key in obesity prevention, yet it is unclear how factors in the neighborhood influence weight‐related behaviors. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of parental perceived environment on physical activity (PA), television (TV) time, active play and Body Mass Index (BMI) z score, and the mediating role of these weight‐related behaviors on the relationship between neighborhood characteristics and children's BMI.

Methods

Data of 8472 Portuguese preschool (aged 3‐6, n = 3819) and school‐aged children (aged 7‐11 years, n = 4653) were collected during 2016/2017. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the associations between parents perceived neighborhood characteristics (latent variables: unsafety and built/physical environment) and child's BMI z score, PA and TV time.

Results

Among preschoolers, the latent variables of the perceived environment were not associated with the BMI, TV time, extracurricular PA, and active play. Among schoolchildren, the unsafety environment was positively associated with both the BMI (SC = 0.050, P = .008) and the time spent watching TV (SC = 0.052, P = .031) and negatively associated with extracurricular PA (SC = −0.125, P < .001). The latent variable Favorable Built Environment for PA (ie, environmental facilitating elements) was positively associated with active play (SC = 0.041, P = .031). Moreover, the TV time was a marginally significant mediator of the relationship between the perceived unsafe environment and the BMI of school‐aged children (B = 0.002, P = .096).

Conclusions

In conclusion, changes in the environment to targeting parental perception of neighborhood safety could have positive effects on the promotion of healthy weight and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle in school‐aged children.
Grandparental genotyping enhances exome variant interpretation
Authors: Daum Hagit , Mor‐Shaked Hagar , Ta‐Shma Asaf , Shaag Avraham , Silverstein Shira , Shohat Mordechai , Elpeleg Orly , Meiner Vardiella , Harel Tamar
Published: February 2020

Trio exome sequencing is a powerful tool in the molecular investigation of monogenic disorders and provides an incremental diagnostic yield over proband‐only sequencing, mainly due to the rapid identification of de novo disease‐causing variants. However, heterozygous variants inherited from unaffected parents may be inadvertently dismissed, although multiple explanations are available for such scenarios including mosaicism in the parent, incomplete penetrance, imprinting, or skewed X‐inactivation. We report three probands, in which a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant was identified upon exome sequencing, yet was inherited from an unaffected parent. Segregation of the variants (in NOTCH1, PHF6, and SOX10) in the grandparent generation revealed that the variant was de novo in each case. Additionally, one proband had skewed X‐inactivation. We discuss the possible genetic mechanism in each case, and urge caution in data interpretation of exome sequencing data. We illustrate the utility of expanding segregation studies to the grandparent generation and demonstrate the impact on exome interpretation strategies, by showing that objective genotype data can overcome subjective parental report of lack of symptoms.
Ru(II)‐PBTNNXN complex bearing functional 2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)benzo[d]thiazole ligand catalyzed α‐alkylation of nitriles with alcohols
Authors: Huang Shuang , Hong Xi , Sun Yong , Cui He‐Zhen , Zhou Quan , Lin Yue‐Jian , Hou Xiu‐Feng
Published: February 2020

Six tridentate NNN ligand precursors derived from 2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)benzo[d]thiazole(PBT) with different linkers, PBTNNXN (X = NH, NMe, O, S) (1a–1f), have been successfully prepared. The electronic properties of PBTNNXN ligands are well tunable by differing linkers between PBT skeleton and the pyridine ring, and/or by introducing electron‐donating/withdrawing groups on the pyridine ring (R = OMe or F). The ligand precursors and representative complexes Ru (PBTNNNHN)Cl2(PPh3) (2a), Ru (PBTNNNMeN)Cl2(PPh3) (2b), and Ru (PBTNNSN)Cl2(PPh3) (2f) have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy, high‐resolution mass spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR). The molecular structures of 1f, 2a, and 2f have been determined by X‐ray diffraction study. The results indicate that PBTNNNHN ligand in the complex presented coplanar with two five‐membered chelating rings. It should be noted that 2a featuring a NH group exhibits superior performance compared to those with other linkers (such as NMe, O, or S). A variety of heterocyclic and aromatic nitriles with aromatic and aliphatic alcohols have been explored in α‐alkylation for good to excellent yields. Based on kinetic experiments and mechanistic studies, a proposed mechanism was put forward. Ru‐H species and benzaldehyde, which was oxidized from benzyl alcohol, were detected in the catalytic cycle.
Direct amidation of non‐activated carboxylic acid and amine derivatives catalyzed by TiCp2Cl2
Authors: Wang Hui , Dong Wei , Hou Zhipeng , Cheng Lidan , Li Xiufen , Huang Longjiang
Published: February 2020

This paper described a mild and efficient direct amidation of non‐activated carboxylic acid and amine derivatives catalyzed by TiCp2Cl2. Arylacetic acid derivatives reacted with different amines to afford the corresponding amides in good to excellent yield except of aniline. Aryl formic acids failed to react with aniline but smoothly reacted with aliphatic amines and benzylamine in moderate to good yield, fatty acids reacting with benzyl and aliphatic amines give amides in good to excellent yield. Chiral amino acids derivatives were transformed into amides without racemization in moderate yield. The possible mechanism of direct amidation catalyzed by TiCp2Cl2 was discussed. This catalytic method is very suitable for the amidation of low sterically hindered arylacetic acid, fatty acids with different low sterically hindered amines except aniline, as well as the amidation of aryl formic acid with benzyl and aliphatic amines.
A weight‐of‐evidence approach for defining thermal sensitivity in a federally endangered species
Authors: Galbraith Heather S. , Blakeslee Carrie J. , Spooner Daniel E. , Lellis William A.
Published: February 2020

Managing for threatened and endangered species under changing environmental conditions is a challenge faced by resource managers worldwide. Lack of basic knowledge of the biology and habitat requirements of these species can contribute to this difficulty but is exacerbated by the limitations of working with rare species (i.e. few individuals) or unrefined and non‐lethal methods for evaluating stress.

A weight‐of‐evidence approach was used to evaluate the thermal biology of the federally endangered dwarf wedgemussel (Alasmidonta heterodon), using cumulative results from multiple experimental assessments, co‐occurring species, and their host fish to begin defining the thermal limits and optimal conditions for the species.

Results suggest that dwarf wedgemussel and its host fish are thermally sensitive species compared with other Atlantic‐slope mussels, with a lower critical thermal maximum (CTM) and the selection of reduced temperatures during choice experiments.

Physiological studies resulted in a lack of statistical significance, primarily owing to low power, which was a function of sample size – an unavoidable problem when studying rare species. Given these limitations, thermal choice and CTM may be more useful end points than physiological processes such as clearance and respiration rates when dealing with sample‐size limitations.

These results suggest that management strategies that avoid exposing dwarf wedgemussel and its thermally sensitive host fish to extreme temperatures could be important for species conservation.
Rise of the intensity of interstellar CH+ in the spectrum of AE Aur
Authors: Krełowski Jacek , Galazutdinov Gazinur A. , Bondar Arkadii
Published: February 2020

Using many spectra of the star AE Aur (HD 34078), covering the period 1997–2019, we demonstrate temporal variations of the intensities of spectral features carried by simple interstellar radicals. The drop of the CH+ and CH line intensities was demonstrated by Krełowski et al. (2016)—Paper I. More recent data suggest that the CH+ interstellar lines reach the minimum of intensity in 2015–2016 being then followed by the evident rise, which continues. The intensities of CH lines show a similar drop to CH+. However, the further (after 2016) rise seems marginal if any. Thus, the CH+ features grow since 2016 while those of CH remain almost constant, likely due to the fact that both species are formed in different environments. No variations in the radial velocities of the observed interstellar features were detected during the whole covered time period.