bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The significance of extreme floods in the transformation of mountain valleys and causing flood risk, on the example of the July 2001 flood that occurred in the upper catchment of the river Skawa
Authors: Franczak Paweł
Published: April 2021

In July 2001, in the Carpathian basin of the Vistula, there was a lot of rainfall and storms. The meteorological situation of that time was similar to that of 1934 when a great flood occurred. On 25 July (2001st), in the upper part of the Skawa catchment, a violent storm occurred. Its centre was located right at Makowska Góra. The daily precipitation in Maków Podhalański was 190.8 mm that day. Most of the precipitation occurred during a storm. Although the precipitation was much lower in the other stations located in the drainage basin, the flow of the Skawa in Sucha Beskidzka was 660 m3 s-1, while the constructed dam in Świnna-Poręba – 1019 m3 s-1. Precipitation was so abundant that the floodplains terraces of the Skawa have been inundated, and made the streams flowing down the Makowska Mountain spill out of the trough. The centre of Maków Podhalański and the neighbouring streets were destroyed. The main current flowed through the streets of Źródlana, Krótka, Kościelna, Rynek, and Wolności. The biggest losses were caused by the Księży Potok and several smaller streams (Rzyczki, Grabce, and Czarny Potok) that poured out of the trough and flowed through them. The biggest losses have been incurred by the Budzów and Zembrzyce municipalities located on the other side of the mountain. The losses were caused by a small Paleczka stream.
Nużeniec jako czynnik etiologiczny przewlekłego zapalenia brzegów powiek
Authors: Tarkowski Witold , Grzyliński Krzysztof
Published: April 2021

Przewlekłe zapalenia brzegów powiek to choroby aparatu ochronnego oka i jego powierzchni, z którymi praktykujący lekarz okulista spotyka się niemal na co dzień. Etiologia tych schorzeń pozostaje wciąż niewyjaśniona, podobnie jak i mechanizmy patogenetyczne prowadzące do wystąpienia objawów tych chorób. Ponieważ liczne doniesienia wskazują na roztocza z rodzaju Demodex jako czynnik etiologiczny niektórych schorzeń oczu oraz skóry, jest wielce prawdopodobne, że infestacja tymi roztoczami może również odgrywać rolę w etiologii i patogenezie przewlekłych zapaleń brzegów powiek. U człowieka pasożytują dwa gatunki roztoczy z rodzaju Demodex: Demodex folliculorum i Demodex brevis. Demodex spp. występują u ludzi na całym świecie. Wraz z wiekiem wzrasta odsetek osób zakażonych, który ok. 60 r. ż wynosi niemal 84%. Nużeniec może przyczyniać się do rozwoju stanu zapalnego brzegów powiek nie tylko w sposób bezpośredni, ale także pośrednio, jako tzw. wektor dla bakterii i grzybów chorobotwórczych. Celem pracy było zbadanie obecności nużeńców w mieszkach włosowych rzęs i ich potencjalnego udziału w etiologii przewlekłych zapaleń brzegów powiek. Przeprowadzone badania w grupie 237 osób (97 osób z PZBP i 145 osób bez PZBP) jednoznacznie wskazują na istnienie zależności pomiędzy infestacją D. folliculorum lub D. brevis a występowaniem przewlekłego zapalenia brzegów powiek. Potwierdzanie dodatniej korelacji nużeniec-PZBP w populacji polskiej dostarcza kolejnego dowodu na patogenną rolę jaką odgrywają te roztocza w rozwoju chorób oczu.
Bentonite granulates as a seals for mobile flood barriers
Authors: Wrona Piotr , Panna Wojciech , Lipiński Stanisław , Woźniak Maciej
Published: April 2021

Bentonites and other smectite raw materials are widely used in many industries. The authors of the study analyzed the suitability of swelling granulates for their use as a seals in mobile flood barriers. For this purpose, a comparative analysis of the swelling and granulation parameters of three samples available on the market was performed. This results was compared with a macroscopic
swelling test, which was realized on the specially prepared test stand. The carried out research shows that not only the content of the swelling minerals – mainly smectite – affect on the sealing of the system, but also they are determine by granules size distribution and the type of smectite.
Role of Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Hosseini Elahe , Ashrafi Farzad , Faeghi Fariborz , Hekmatnia Ali
Published: April 2021

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the dopamine-containing neurons. In this study, the role of the Diffusion Tensor imaging (DTI) method was investigated in the detection of PD. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the microstructural damage of the brain's white matter in PD using a non-invasive DTI technique. Methods: Twenty patients with PD were studied with comprehensive clinical assessments and DTI data. Also, 10 normal subjects were investigated. Fractional anisotropic (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values were calculated by drawing region of interest (ROI) on eight distinctive areas of the brain. Results: The level of FA and MD in substantia nigra (SN) was significantly different between the PD and healthy control (HC) groups. Also, differences were found in DTI parameters between PD and HC groups in some regions, such as genu, anterior limb of internal capsule (ALIC), splenium, and putamen. Conclusions: To summarize, DTI as a non-invasive method can be useful in the detection of Parkinson's disease.
On the Relationship Between Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Body Composition and Bone Mineral Density in Overweight/Obese Adolescents
Authors: Dehnavi Zahra , Barghchi Hanieh , Roudi Fatemeh , Belghaisi Naseri Mahmoud , Nourozian Ostad Andisheh , Khorasanchi Zahra , Nematy Mohsen , Razmpour Farkhondeh
Published: April 2021

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a health problem growing in line with the rising prevalence of obesity in children and adolescents, which may be correlated with different metabolic abnormalities such as osteoporosis. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the possible relationship between NAFLD with body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) in obese and overweight adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study encompassed 70 adolescents aged 11 - 18 years and was conducted during March 2016 and September 2016 in Mashhad, Iran. Anthropometric parameters and blood biomarkers were measured. Fat mass, fat-free mass, and BMD were determined using dual-energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans, and NAFLD was also assessed using Fibroscan. All statistical data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21. Multivariate linear regression assessed the relationship between liver fat content with bone-related indicators, and multivariate logistic regression detected the relationship between body composition and NAFLD. Results: Total and trunk fat mass were significantly correlated with higher NAFLD even after controlling for intervening factors (total fat mass, OR = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.016 to 1.59, P = 0.036; trunk fat mass, OR = 1.35; 95% CI, 0.97 to 1.88, P = 0.045). Moreover, liver fat content was significantly correlated with lower BMD Z-score after adjusting for gender, BMI Z-score, ALT, fat mass index, total lean mass, and physical activity (β = -0.285, P = 0.048). Conclusions: The findings of the present study suggest that excess adipose tissue is correlated with higher NAFLD. Moreover, liver steatosis may be correlated with decreased BMD Z-score in overweight/obese adolescents.
Detection and Analysis of Respiratory Pathogens in Hospitalized Children with Acute Respiratory Tract Infections by a Multiplex-PCR Assay Based on the Genetic Analyzer Platform
Authors: Guo Pengbo , Wang Yanhong , Zhou Mingjin , Mei Shiyue , Cheng Yibing
Published: April 2021

Background: Despite the considerable incidence of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) among children in Henan province, detailed epidemiological information is limited. Objectives: Following a retrospective design, the current study aimed to analyze the epidemiological trends of respiratory pathogens in children hospitalized at Henan Children’s Hospital. Methods: A total of 11306 children (age range, 4 days to 15 years) diagnosed with ARTI admitted to Henan Children’s Hospital from March 1, 2019, to February 29, 2020, were enrolled. Nasopharyngeal swabs, alveolar lavage fluid, or sputum samples were analyzed for the presence of 12 pathogens via a multiplex-PCR assay based on the Genetic Analyzer platform. Data of 11306 samples were eligible for analysis. Results: The total positive rate was 78.1% (8831/11306). Of 8831 positive samples, 7017 (79.5%, 7017/8831) had a single pathogen and 1814 (20.5%, 1814/11306) had multiple pathogens. Human rhinovirus was the most common pathogen (25.4%, 2874/11306), followed by mycoplasma (18.1%, 2050/11306) and human respiratory syncytial virus (15.8%, 1783/11306). There was no significant difference concerning the positive rate of respiratory pathogens between boys and girls (χ2 = 0.286, P = 0.593). Children were more likely to be infected in autumn and winter than in spring and summer (9722 vs. 1584, respectively). Conclusions: Human rhinovirus and mycoplasma were the most commonly detected pathogens. The positive rate of chlamydia was independent of the season, while positive rates of other pathogens were season-related. The positive rate of influenza A (H1N1) was independent of age, while for other pathogens, it was age-dependent. This study demonstrated species-level information on the pathogens, which can improve the prevention and treatment of hospitalized children with ARTI.
Comparison of Different Approaches in Estimating Initial Reproduction Number of SARS-CoV-2 in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Authors: Talkhi Nasrin , Esmaeilzadeh Nayereh , Shakeri Mohammad Taghi , Pasdar Zahra
Published: April 2021

Background: The basic reproduction number (R0) is an epidemic threshold parameter that indicates the magnitude of disease transmission and thus allows suggestions for the planning of control measures. Objectives: Our aim in this study was to compare different approaches for estimating R0 in the early stage of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak and discern the best-fitting model. Methods: The dataset was derived from cumulative laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases from 26th February to 30th May 2020 in Iran. The methods of exponential growth (EG) rate, maximum likelihood (ML), time-dependent (TD) reproduction number, attack rate (AR), and sequential Bayesian (SB) model were used. The gamma distribution (mean 4.41 ± 3.17 days) was used for serial interval (SI) distribution. The best-fitting method was selected according to the lowest root mean square error (RMSE). Results: We obtained the following estimated R0 [95% confidence interval]: 1.55 [1.54; 1.55], 1.46 [1.45; 1.46], 1.31 [1.30; 1.32], and 1.40 [1.39; 1.41] using EG, ML, TD, and SB methods, respectively. Additionally, the EG and ML methods showed an overestimation of R0, and the SB method showed to be under-fitting in the estimation of R0. The AR method estimated R0 equal to one. The TD method had the lowest RMSE. Conclusions: The simulated and actual R0 of TD showed that this method had a good fit for actual data and the lowest RMSE. Therefore, the TD method is the most appropriate method with the best performance in estimating actual R0 values.
Seasonal Variations of Heart Failure and Acute Coronary Syndrome in a Referral Center of Heart Diseases in Ahvaz, Southwest of Iran
Authors: Ahmadi Farzaneh , Pourkhosravi Parisa
Published: April 2021

Background: Despite the role of hot weather and activity at high temperatures in physical and environmental stress influencing the occurrence or recurrence of heart disease, the role of seasonal variations in temperature in this disease has not been well studied. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relation of seasonal variations in temperature to the number of patients with ischemic heart disease and heart failure (HF). Methods: We extracted data, including file number, diagnosis, age, gender, hospitalization date, and discharge date, from the medical files of patients admitted to a referral center of heart diseases in a tropical region from 2013 to 2015. Results: Diagnosed and studied patients (n = 4,041) were as follows: 625 (patients with HF), 2410 (patients with unstable angina), and 1006 (patients with myocardial infarction). A total of 57% of patients were male, and 43% were female. The average number of patients per day (P/d) in the cold season was higher than in other seasons (5.89 versus 5.53 in the moderate season and 5.18 during the warm season). The mean length of hospitalization for patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and HF in the cold season was longer than in other seasons, and this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.035 and 0.021, respectively). Conclusions: All hospitalizations occurring with these diagnoses in cold seasons are longer, increasing the burden on the health care system. There are considerable seasonal variations in HF hospitalization and mortality. Immunization against pneumococcus and influenza and also more care are recommended in HF patients. There is a need for a season-based approach for better handling of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
The Effect of Dialysis Solution Temperature and Stepwise Ultrafiltration Profile on Dialysis Adequacy and Pruritus in Hemodialysis Patients: A Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Jamshidzehi Abdolhamid , Kiani Fatemeh , Boya Salahuddin , Askari Hasan , Saeedinezhad Farshid
Published: April 2021

Background: Patients with renal insufficiency who receive hemodialysis should be continuously monitored to avoid possible complications, as they are at increased risk of several problems, including pruritus, as one of the most annoying problems. It seems that dialysis adequacy affects the pruritus of hemodialysis patients. Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the effect of dialysis solution temperature and stepwise ultrafiltration profile on dialysis adequacy and pruritus of hemodialysis patients. Methods: Following a single group quasi-experimental design, 34 eligible hemodialysis patients admitted to the hemodialysis ward of Zahedan Medical Center (Iran) in 2020 were recruited using the convenience sampling technique. All patients attended three standard dialysis sessions (at a temperature of 37°C) and three cold dialysis sessions (36°C) with a stepwise dialysis ultrafiltration profile. Dialysis adequacy was measured at the end of each session, and Yosipovitch’s Pruritus Severity Scale (PSS) was filled before and after each dialysis session. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics (i.e., frequency, mean, and standard deviation). Mean scores before and after dialysis were paired by t-test using SPSS version 22. Statistical significance was considered when P-value < 0.05. Results: The mean and standard deviation of dialysis adequacy in both standard dialysis and cold dialysis techniques with stepwise ultrafiltration profile were 1.18 ± 0.36 and 1.44 ± 0.48, respectively, indicating that dialysis adequacy of the cold dialysis method with stepwise ultrafiltration profile was significantly higher (P = 0.001). Besides, the mean pruritus scores in the standard dialysis and cold dialysis methods with stepwise ultrafiltration profile were -0.73 ± 0.80 and -1.73 ± 1.16, respectively, showing a significant difference (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Cold hemodialysis with a stepwise ultrafiltration profile can be used as a simple and low-cost technique to improve both dialysis adequacy and relieve pruritus in hemodialysis patients.
Is Aristotelian-Thomistic Natural Philosophy Still Relevant to Cosmology?
Authors: Brungardt John G. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2021

Do advances in the natural sciences leave the followers of Aristotle and Aquinas without a cosmos? Is their natural philosophy irrelevant to modern cosmology and its Big Bang theory? The following essay answers these questions and argues that natural philosophy is perennially relevant to cosmology. It defends the idea that Aristotelian-Thomistic natural philosophy reaches a true, general definition of the universe: the unity of order of all mobile beings according to place, duration, and agent causality. The essay defends this conclusion while answering three opposing views, those of Jonathan Schaffer, Peter Simons, and Immanuel Kant. The true account is attained through reasoning about the nature of place, duration, and agent causality. Objections against these lines of argument are answered to clarify their continued relevance. Since it provides even our modern scientific cosmology with the necessarily assumed notion of the universe, Aristotelian-Thomistic natural philosophy is perennially relevant to cosmology.
Divine Esse Without Ontological Significance
Authors: Cockerell Jameson ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2021

In God Without Being, Jean-Luc Marion infamously argues that Thomas Aquinas is the progenitor of modern onto-theology and thus conceptual idolatry. Yet in 1995, Marion published an intensive study of Aquinas arguing he cannot be called an onto-theologian. Nevertheless, he reiterates a suspicion about the identification of God and Esse—in particular, how it has been understood by those following Aquinas. He ends with a challenge for Thomism as a living tradition: Divine Esse will not be onto-theological to the extent that it avoids ontological significance. We will argue that Aquinas would reject the exigency of speaking Divine Esse without ontological significance precisely because it is through it that he articulates God’s transcendence and incomprehensibility. Despite this opposition, there is a surprising and deeper complementarity to be seen: ontological significance for Aquinas carries its own veil of darkness which makes it more amenable to Marion’s demand than might be suspected.
Corporate Social Responsibility as Legitimacy in the Oil and Gas Industry in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Reeve Kimberly , Kabiawu Dami ,   International Association for Business and Society
Published: April 2021

The oil and gas industry is viewed as controversial because of its adverse impacts on the environment. This study draws on legitimacy theory to analyze how CSR factors (including GRI compliance, EITI membership, and internal and external factors of gender diversity on the board and management team, and spending on social projects in the host sub-Saharan countries,) correlate with an increase or decrease in stock prices from 2006 – 2019.
Governance of Voice in Digital Platforms
Authors: Fadlallah Hussein , Phillips Robert A. ,   International Association for Business and Society
Published: April 2021

We study the governance of voice in digital platforms in light of contestations and struggles over meaning and resources among their stakeholders. In particular, we argue that social media platforms as fields are subject to power imbalances that might constrain the voices of marginalized and under-represented individuals and groups. Consequently, the governance decisions that private firms (i.e. platform owners) undertake are critical in providing users and communities with the capacity to self-present and identify. Through a qualitative longitudinal study of a popular social media platform, we study the means through which a marginalized community leverages the governance tools at its disposal to overcome the contestation within the platform. We present implications for the governance of digital platforms and their evolution.
Communities in Management
Authors: Georgiou Andreas , Arenas Daniel ,   International Association for Business and Society
Published: April 2021

Communities are discussed frequently in the business and management literature, but their main characteristics are not commonly agreed upon. This multiplicity of meanings results in vagueness, which hinders both scholarly research and practice. Building on a sample of 142 papers published in highly ranked business and management journals, this literature review aims to provide clarity on the concept by identifying its main underlying meanings. After conducting qualitative and cluster analysis Keyon the abovementioned sample, we suggest the following four types of communities: of Proximity, of Practice, of Users and of Firms. Their main characteristics are discussed, along with their relationship with business and management.
Assessment of Ibn Haldun's Model for Sustainability using Structural Equation Modelling
Authors: Kuşakcı Sümeyye ,   International Association for Business and Society
Published: April 2021

This work firstly aims to develop a sustainability model based on Ibn Haldun’s teaching of sustainability. Religious coloring refers to the spirituality, which is re-discovered in modern ages and transferred to the workplace. Spirituality stimulates virtuousness at personal and organizational level, which in turn generates managerial sustainability meaning the lifespan of a company. While personal virtuousness refers social ethics, organizational level virtuousness could be considered as Corporate Social Responsibility. Secondly, it attempts to evaluate the relevance of Ibn Haldun’s approach to contemporary business organizations. In order to demonstrate the relationship between spirituality, virtuousness, CSR, and sustainability; data collected from Corporate Knights’ Global 100 companies were analyzed using structural equation modelling. According to the results, while workplace spirituality leads to ethical conduct and higher CSR/CS score, the relationship between spirituality or CSR/CS and financial performance is not significant. However, it seems that higher lifespan of business enterprises is related to their CSR/CS score.
The Benefits of Benefit Forms
Authors: Rankin Caddie Putnam ,   International Association for Business and Society
Published: April 2021

This article explores adoption rates of B Corps certification and Benefit Corporation incorporation in order to discuss what benefits exist for organizations to adopt sustainable business forms. The analysis of the data identifies states with low and high adoption rates. The study is based on historical analysis of 4686 incorporated Benefit Corporations from 2007 to 2016 and 837 certified B Corps during the same time period. Patterns of adoption are identified and states with high and low adoption rates are categorized, analyzed, and discussed. The patterns reveal which states are most likely to support lasting or short lived legal, peer, and stakeholder benefits for sustainable business.
On Necropolitics and Techno-Scotosis
Authors: Babich Babette ,   DePaul University
Published: April 2021

To talk about automation and invisibility in our digitally projected world, I argue the case for the “cancelled” or lost voices of postphenomenology such as, most notably, Günther Anders. Reflecting on Nietzsche as on the role of GPS for location and for dating services like Grindr, I take up Nietzschean humanism (all-too humanism) including the fragility of his portable brass typing ball, latterly not unlike daisy wheel printer technologies and the programmed death of ink jet printers. With a casual reflection on pocket robots and screen-intentionality, GPS, triangulating perambulation, and programmed addiction, I raise the necropolitical question of climate change as of technology and its scotosis.
Iatrogenic Hypoglycemia Induced by Valproic Acid in an Adult Patient
Authors: Rota Eugenia , Varese Paola , Arena Luciano , Celli Lorenzo , Pappalardo Irene , Morelli Nicola
Published: April 2021

Literature on antiepileptic induced iatrogenic hypoglycemia is scanty. Due to its broad spectrum of activity and mechanisms of action, valproic acid (VPA), a fatty acid, is the most widely prescribed epilepsy treatment worldwide.Herein, we describe an adult epileptic patient, where persistent, otherwise unexplained hypoglycemia, was most likely induced by VPA, as suggested by the VPA time course and glucose blood levels. Indeed, no further hypoglycemic episodes occurred after VPA discontinuation and the diagnostic work-up ruled out other possible causes of hypoglycemia.This case supports the hypothesis that VPA may induce hypoglycemia, due to still not well-defined metabolic mechanisms of action. Moreover, it emphasizes the fact that an iatrogenic pathogenesis should be considered if an apparently unexplained hypoglycemia occurs in a patient on chronic therapy with antiepileptics, even at a therapeutical dosage.
Performance Evaluation of a Small-Scale Sugarcane Juice Extracting Machine
Authors: Oji N. , Okaiyeto S. A. , Unguwanimi Y. A. , Sada A. M. , Ogijo S. I. , Jonga J. B.
Published: April 2021

The study was aimed at evaluating the machine performance of a fabricated prototype of a sugarcane juice extractor. The study was conducted in the Department of Agricultural and Bio-resources engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in May 2018. The machine was evaluated using two varieties of cane; Koma (saccharumbarberi) and Kantoma (saccharumofficinarum) in a factorial experiment with five (5) levels of crushing roller speeds (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 rpm) and three levels of feed rates: one (1) cane stalk, two (2) cane stalks and three (3) cane stalks arranged in 2x5x3 in completely randomized design. Average values of measured parameters obtained from the five crushing speeds were used in plotting graphs in order to establish the relationships that exist between the measured parameters and speed of operation. Data collected for output capacity and extraction efficiency were analyzed using a statistical analysis software (SAS version 9.0). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) were computed at 1 and 5 % levels of significance. The results of performance evaluation showed that the best output capacities of 152.4 and 154.2 kg/hr and the best efficiencies of 72.1 and 63.4% were obtained at the speed of 30 rpm and feed rate of one (1) cane stalk for koma and kantoma varieties respectively. The extraction losses of 17.8 and 21.5% were also recorded at the speed of 60 rpm for the two varieties respectively.
Psychiatric Co-Morbidities in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Mohamed Toka Khaled , Amer Reham Abd-elrahman Lofty , Heiba Amr Adel Mohamed , Elsawy Hosam El-din Fathallah
Published: April 2021

Background: Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by causing marked decrease in social interaction and communication, conversation skills. The aim of this work was to explore the psychiatric co-morbidities among children with ASD.

Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was carried out 55 children less than 18 years old fulfilled criteria for ASD. All patients were subjected to: Psychiatric interviewing and Psychometric tests that included Stanford-Binet test 5th edition, Arabic version of Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia “K-SADS, Arabic version of Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Arabic version of Conner’s Scale for ADHD and Arabic version of Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED) (Child and parent versions).

Results: The majority of the studied ASD children were males younger than 13 years old, from rural areas, with mild and moderate intellectual disability, and with severe ASD symptoms. There is statistically significant difference between severity of ASD in studied children measured by CARS, and number of co-morbidities. The most prevalent psychiatric co-morbidities among studied              ASD children were anxiety disorders (41.82%), followed by ADHD                                                     (36.36%).

There is statistically significant difference between severe form of ASD and psychiatric co-morbidities regarding ADHD, Tic disorder, ODD and elimination disorder, While Social anxiety and GAD were more common among children with milder forms. Among the studied children, the specific phobias, ODD and elimination disorders, were more in younger age groups. While social anxiety and psychotic disorders occurred more frequently with older age groups. GAD, somatization and depression were more frequent with females, while ADHD occurred more with males.

Conclusion: Presence of comorbid disorders among children with ASD is the rule rather than exception. Male children had more combined subtype and more severe form of the disorder. The most common comorbid psychiatric disorders with ASD are anxiety disorders and ADHD. The early identification and treatment of ASD and comorbid conditions may reduce the likelihood of impairment and persistence into adulthood.
Die Attach Process Robustness through Epoxy Pattern Optimization for DFN Device
Authors: Dinglasan Jerome J. , Gomez Frederick Ray I.
Published: April 2021

As the modern world evolves through innovation and technology, manufacturing companies of semiconductor drive their people to dedicate themselves on continuous improvement and technical advancement. Products they produce becomes smaller and thinner, but applications are limitless and innovative. In manufacturing of quad flat no lead packages, challenges were encountered during the die attach process especially in small die size. Die attach material overflow on pad is one of these, and certain parameters and techniques are explored to have a quality and robust process. Defining appropriate epoxy pattern with respect to the die size is a big factor to make sure no epoxy material will flow outside the die pad perimeter that may cause unit rejection. This paper will discuss the related issues of the said package by performing experiments and applying certain techniques to address the problem.
In Situ Observation of γ′ Phase Transformation Dynamics During Selective Laser Melting of CMSX‐4
Authors: Wahlmann Benjamin , Krohmer Erwin , Breuning Christoph , Schell Norbert , Staron Peter , Uhlmann Eckart , Körner Carolin
Published: April 2021

Additive manufacturing (AM) of superalloys has been attracting increasing interest. While most studies focus on the processability and mechanical properties of the finished product, it is also necessary to understand the phase transformations during the consecutive melting processes. Herein, the precipitation and dissolution of the γ′ phase in the Ni‐base superalloy CMSX‐4 in a selective laser melting process is reported. These phase transformations are studied in situ by small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) during AM. Concurrent wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS) provides information on the evolution of lattice parameters and temperature during the process. Additional thermal and thermodynamic simulations are carried out to support the experiments. The investigations are focused on the influence of different beam scanning strategies as well as the effect of laser power and scanning speed on the phase transformation dynamics. Due to the high cooling and heating rates inherent to AM, phase transformations occur far off equilibrium. Both precipitation and dissolution of γ′ phase are observed. The scan strategies are shown to have a considerable effect on the phase transformation dynamics, which exceed the impact of the beam parameters. The capability of combined SAXS and WAXS for the in situ study of phase transformations in AM processes is demonstrated.
TaC Precipitation Kinetics During Cooling of Co−Re‐Based Alloys
Authors: Karge Lukas , Gilles Ralph , Hofmann Michael , Mukherji Debashis , Rösler Joachim , Honecker Dirk , Beran Přemysl , Strunz Pavel , Schell Norbert , Busch Sebastian
Published: April 2021

Cobalt−rhenium (Co−Re) alloys are developed for high‐temperature applications at ≈1200 °C and are strengthened by dispersion of nanosized tantalum carbide (TaC) precipitates. Herein, the precipitation behavior during cooling from supersolution depending on the cooling rate and the addition of chromium is presented. The phase composition (matrix phases and TaC) is analyzed from the wide‐angle neutron diffraction patterns measured in situ during temperature cycling. The precipitation of nanosized TaC particles is measured by in situ and ex situ neutron and X‐ray small‐angle scattering. The in situ measurements are used to extract the temperature‐dependent volume fraction of the precipitates; the final size distribution after cooling is extracted from the ex situ measurements. A Kampmann−Wagner's numerical (KWN) model is adapted to isochronal cooling processes. The in situ measurements give the unique possibility to calibrate the model parameters, whereas the ex situ measurements are used to assess the model predictions.
Hollow Engineering to Co@N‐Doped Carbon Nanocages via Synergistic Protecting‐Etching Strategy for Ultrahigh Microwave Absorption
Authors: Liu Panbo , Gao Sai , Zhang Guozheng , Huang Ying , You Wenbin , Che Renchao
Published: April 2021

Rational manipulation of hollow structure with uniform heterojunctions is evolving as an effective approach to meet the lightweight and high‐performance microwave absorption for metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) derived absorbers. Herein, a new and controlled synergistic protecting‐etching strategy is proposed to construct shelled ZIF‐67 rhombic dodecahedral cages using tannic acid under theoretical guidance, then hollow Co@N‐doped carbon nanocages with uniform heterojunctions and hierarchical micro‐meso‐macropores are obtained via a pyrolysis process, which addresses the shortcomings of using sacrificing templates or corrosive agents. The outer Co@N‐doped carbon shell, composed of highly dispersive core‐shell heterojunctions, possesses micro‐mesopores while the inner hollow macroporous cavity endows the absorbers with lightweight characteristics. Accordingly, the maximum reflection loss is −60.6 dB at 2.4 mm and the absorption bandwidth reaches 5.1 GHz at 1.9 mm with 10 wt% filler loading, exhibiting superior specific reflection loss compared with the vast majority of previous MOFs derived absorbers. Furthermore, this synergistic protecting‐etching strategy provides inspiration for precisely creating a hollow void inside other MOFs crystals and broadens the desirable candidates for lightweight and high‐efficient microwave absorbers.
Metal–Organic Frameworks Enhance Biomimetic Cascade Catalysis for Biosensing
Authors: Xu Weiqing , Jiao Lei , Wu Yu , Hu Liuyong , Gu Wenling , Zhu Chengzhou
Published: April 2021

Multiple enzymes‐induced biological cascade catalysis guides efficient and selective substrate transformations in vivo. The biomimetic cascade systems, as ingenious strategies for signal transduction and amplification, have a wide range of applications in biosensing. However, the fragile nature of enzymes greatly limits their wide applications. In this regard, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with porous structures, unique nano/microenvironments, and good biocompatibility have been skillfully used as carriers to immobilize enzymes for shielding them against hash surroundings and improving the catalytic efficiency. For another, nanomaterials with enzyme‐like properties and brilliant stabilities (nanozymes), have been widely applied to ameliorate the low stability of the enzymes. Inheriting the abovementioned merits of MOFs, the performances of MOFs‐immboilized nanozymes could be significantly enhanced. Furthermore, in addition to carriers, some MOFs can also serve as nanozymes, expanding their applications in cascade systems. Herein, recent advances in the fabrication of efficient MOFs‐involving enzymes/nanozymes cascade systems and biosensing applications are highlighted. Integrating diversified signal output modes, including colorimetry, electrochemistry, fluorescence, chemiluminescence, and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering, sensitive detection of various targets (including biological molecules, environmental pollutants, enzyme activities, and so on) are realized. Finally, challenges and opportunities about further constructions and applications of MOFs‐involving cascade reaction systems are briefly put forward.
Experimental Evidence of Chloride‐Induced Trap Passivation in Lead Halide Perovskites through Single Particle Blinking Studies
Authors: Jin Handong , Steele Julian A. , Cheng Ruolin , Parveen Nagma , Roeffaers Maarten B. J. , Hofkens Johan , Debroye Elke
Published: April 2021

Research into organic–inorganic lead halide perovskites as photoactive material in solar cells and other electro‐optical devices has made immense progress in recent years. However, efficiency losses resulting from deep traps associated with framework defects, still limit the performance of perovskite semiconductors. Defect passivation by the incorporation of dopants, such as chloride doping in methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite, is stated as one of the most efficient ways to reduce trap densities. Commonly used parameters like improved photoluminescence (PL) quantum yields and extended PL lifetimes provide nonconclusive experimental evidence on trap density suppression by chloride doping. In this work, the effect of chloride doping on the crystal morphology, composition, and PL of MAPbI3 nanocrystals is carefully investigated. Besides the anticipated enhanced PL intensity and extended PL lifetime, single‐particle PL intermittency studies reveal brighter and longer ON‐states with increasing amounts of chloride doping, which represents additional evidence of effective chloride‐induced trap passivation. These findings provide important guidelines for generating lead halide perovskite materials with significantly reduced trap densities toward the fabrication of high‐performance optoelectronic devices.
Acidic Media Regulated Hierarchical Cobalt Compounds with Phosphorous Doping as Water Splitting Electrocatalysts
Authors: Song Danna , Sun Jikai , Sun Lanju , Zhai Shengliang , Ho Ghim Wei , Wu Hao , Deng Wei‐Qiao
Published: April 2021

Facile synthesis of elaborate nanostructured transition metal compounds with tunable components remains challenging because multiple synthetic procedures or complex manipulation are normally involved. Herein, an acid‐etching strategy is applied to Co, in which the composition and morphology of the resultant materials are tunable. Specifically, a novel two‐tiered Co(CO3)0.5(OH)·0.11H2O nanosheet is formed, part of which decomposes to produce hierarchical Co(CO3)0.5(OH)·0.11H2O/Co3O4 nanocomposite by tuning the etching condition. The composite shows bifunctional electrocatalytic capability towards the oxygen evolution and hydrogen evolution reactions (OER and HER). Moreover, the phosphorous dopant is introduced to boost the catalytic activity, especially in the HER. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the phosphorous dopant can dramatically push the binding energy to the ideal value, thus improving the HER performance. Computed results indicate that partial orbitals of the P atom are above the Fermi level and the P atom enhances the charge density of the neighboring Co atom, which optimizes the H* binding. In addition, an efficient overall water splitting configuration is performed with the integration of the P‐doped Co compound catalysts. The acid‐etching methodology inspires more novel nanostructured and multicomponent metal compounds for prominent electrocatalysis.
A Novel NASICON‐Typed Na4VMn0.5Fe0.5(PO4)3 Cathode for High‐Performance Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Chunliu , Zhao Junmei , Wang Enhui , Liu Xiaohong , Shen Xing , Rong Xiaohui , Zheng Qiong , Ren Guoxin , Zhang Nian , Liu Xiaosong , Guo Xiaodong , Yang Chao , Liu Huizhou , Zhong Benhe , Hu Yong‐Sheng
Published: April 2021

The Na+ superionic conductor (NASICON)‐type Na3V2(PO4)3 cathodes have attracted extensive interest due to their high structural stability and fast Na+ mobility. However, the substitution of vanadium with low‐cost active elements remains imperative due to high cost of vanadium, to further boost its application feasibility. Herein, a novel ternary NASICON‐type Na4VMn0.5Fe0.5(PO4)3/C cathode is designed, which integrates the advantages of large reversible capacity, high voltage, and good stability. The as‐obtained Na4VMn0.5Fe0.5(PO4)3/C composite can deliver an excellent rate capacity of 96 m Ah g‐1 at 20 C and decent cycling durability of 94% after 3000 cycles at 20 C, which is superior to that of Na4VFe(PO4)3/C and Na4VMn(PO4)3/C. The synergetic contributions of multimetal ions and facilitated Na+ migration of the Na4VMn0.5Fe0.5(PO4)3/C cathode are confirmed by the first‐principles calculations. The processive reduction/oxidation involved in Fe2+/Fe3+, Mn2+/Mn3+, V3+/V4+/V5+ redox couples are also revealed upon the charging/discharging process by ex situ soft X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. The reversible structure evolution and small volume change during the electrochemical reaction is demonstrated by in situ X‐ray diffraction characterization. The rational design of NASICON‐type cathodes by regulating composition with substitution of multimetal ions can provide new perspectives for high‐performance Na‐ion batteries.
Characterization of sleep habits of children with Sotos syndrome
Authors: Stafford Christine F. , Ward Carrie , Ward Sally L. D. , Sanchez‐Lara Pedro A.
Published: April 2021

Sotos syndrome (SS) is a genetic disorder characterized by accelerated growth in childhood, developmental deficits, and characteristic craniofacial features. While clinicians and parents have reported unusual sleep habits, only one study by Rutter and Cole in 1991 mentioned sleep complaints (Rutter and Cole, Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology, 1991, 33, 898–902). This study aimed to characterize the sleep habits of individuals with SS. We performed a cross‐sectional study of individuals with a definite, probable, or possible diagnosis of Sotos syndrome. Participants were asked to complete the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CHSQ). We compared our data to historical data available from the literature. Subjects with SS showed more sleep disturbance than typically developing individuals (TD), although their sleep onset was less likely to be delayed and their sleep duration was longer. Participants with SS also showed different sleep patterns compared to children with other forms of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Individuals with SS exhibited early bed and rise times, frequently used transitional objects, displayed repetitive motion at sleep onset, and did not show a decrease in sleep duration with age. The majority of participants fell asleep at the same time each night, in their own bed, and within 20 min, and rarely showed signs of sleepwalking or night terrors. These results improve our understanding of sleep habits of individuals with SS and may be used to guide treatment and provide normalization for children with SS.
Manganese‐Catalyzed Hydroborations with Broad Scope
Authors: Ghosh Pradip , Jacobi von Wangelin Axel
Published: April 2021

Reductive transformations of easily available oxidized matter are at the heart of synthetic manipulation and chemical valorization. The applications of catalytic hydrofunctionalization benefit from the use of liquid reducing agents and operationally facile setups. Metal‐catalyzed hydroborations provide a highly prolific platform for reductive valorizations of stable C=X electrophiles. Here, we report an especially facile, broad‐scope reduction of various functions including carbonyls, carboxylates, pyridines, carbodiimides, and carbonates under very mild conditions with the inexpensive pre‐catalyst Mn(hmds)2. The reaction could be successfully applied to depolymerizations.
An interconversion of oxazoline‐amido‐phenolate aluminium complexes: Structural, catalytic activity and density functional theory studies
Authors: Chen Ming‐Tsz , Chen Yu‐Yang , Huang Ting‐Hsun , Pi Hui‐Chu , Hu Ching‐Han , Chen Chi‐Tien
Published: April 2021

This paper describes a new mutual transformation mode occurred between two aluminium complexes, L1(AlMe2)2·AlMe3and (L1AlMe)2, which were generated upon different solvents and bearing the oxazoline‐amido‐phenolate ligand. Density functional theory (DFT) studies support plausible mechanisms. Their catalytic studies were investigated towards ring opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone andl‐lactide with the benzyl alcohol as the initiating reagent.
Hybrid mathematical modeling and multi‐objective optimization of mechanical properties of green composites based on starch and modified rice straw fillers
Authors: Shoja Maryam , Kazemi Reza , Mohammadi‐Roshandeh Jamshid , Farizeh Tara , Shadman Alireza , Hemmati Farkhondeh
Published: April 2021

A hybrid mathematical modeling/optimization approach based on the response surface methodology (RSM) and desirability function (DF) capabilities was applied here to imitate and optimize the mechanical properties of thermoplastic starch‐based biocomposites. In order to prepare the biodegradable and renewable biocomposites, rice straw (RS) was chemically modified to obtain more effective sustainable reinforcing fillers for starch, having semi‐thermoset and core‐shell structures. A combination of different RS products was used in the biocomposites and the composition of RS‐based fillers was chosen as control variable. A series of experiments, by using RSM, were designed to assess the effects of filler loading and composition on the Young modulus, tensile strength, ultimate strain, and absorbed energy of the biocomposites. The best‐fitting regression functions were identified via RSM statistical analysis and transformed into DF to optimize the desired responses concurrently. The findings demonstrate that the starch/RS product biocomposites with optimum elastic modulus (339.3 MPa), tensile strength (9.8 MPa), elongation at break (13.8%), and absorbed energy (1831.2 kJ/m2) were obtained by incorporating RS‐based fillers with both semi‐thermoset and core‐shell structures in combination with each other at loadings of 13.5 and 6.5 phr, respectively.
Identifying female foraging ecotype and fisheries impacts through pup whisker stable isotopes
Authors: Chilvers B. Louise
Published: April 2021

Individual specialization in the foraging behaviour of marine predators can affect the ecology, evolution, and ability of a population to respond to environmental variability and human impacts.

Here, blood serum and whisker stable isotope values from New Zealand (NZ) sea lion pups (Phocarctos hookeri) are compared with their mother’s values to identify whether they can be used as proxies to identify their mother’s isotopic niche and foraging strategy.

Female NZ sea lions have been identified, both through telemetry and stable isotope research of blood serum and whiskers, to have two distinct foraging ecotypes (mesopelagic or benthic), consistent across their adult life. Females who are mesopelagic foragers have higher overlap and a greater risk of harmful interactions with fisheries.

Stable isotope analysis of adult females can be used to determine the proportion of the female population exposed to these detrimental interactions. However, the capture, restraint, and removal of a whisker or blood from an adult female NZ sea lion is an expensive, time‐consuming, and invasive undertaking. Instead, by comparing the blood serum and whisker δ13C and δ15N values of 12 NZ sea lion mother‐and‐pup pairs, for whom the foraging behaviour of the female is known, the question as to whether a pup’s blood serum or whisker isotope value can be used as a proxy to identify female foraging ecotype was investigated.

The δ13C and δ15N values for the blood serum and whiskers of pups and their mothers were correlated and differed significantly between foraging ecotypes. This research validates that pup blood serum and whisker stable isotope values from 1‐month‐old pups can be used as indicators of female isotopic niche and therefore foraging ecotype.

This tool can be used across all NZ sea lion colonies to indicate female NZ sea lion foraging ecotypes. For the Auckland Islands, it could determine the proportion of breeding females exposed to negative interactions with fisheries, leading to a better understanding of the level of these effects and helping to implement appropriate management to mitigate impacts.