bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpreting the World Is Transforming the World
Authors: Vattimo Gianni , Bubbio Paolo Diego ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: June 2020

Vattimo argues that the core of Gadamer’s hermeneutics resides in the identification of interpreting with changing the world, and analyzes the ontological turn in hermeneutics in light of such identification. Vattimo advocates for a radical reading of Gadamer’s claim “Being, which can be understood, is language” and maintains that hermeneutics requires a profound revolution in ontology, overcoming the idea of Being as a given object “out there”. In light of the dialogue that Gadamer’s Truth and Method establishes with Heidegger’s Being and Time, Vattimo concludes that hermeneutic ontology has its core in the identification of reality with the history of effects; not as a descriptive proposition, but as the meaning of Being in whose horizon hermeneutics interprets the experience of the world. A coherent philosophy of interpretation, conceived as a call to transform the objective reality of things “out there” into truth, namely into language and project, actually changes the world.
His Royal I-ness
Authors: Glouberman Mark ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: June 2020

The theology of the (Hebrew) Bible, as set out in the Torah’s foundational parts, answers the question “What am I?” not the question “Why is there a world?” So the principle that the Bible’s deity, God, represents, the principle of a category of being not recognized in the pagan thinking whose basic elements Greek philosophy systematizes, first enters “In the day that . . . the Lord God formed [the] man,” not “In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth.” The admonition to place God first doesn’t therefore exclude the impersonal principles of being with which the other gods are associated, only denies their adequacy to making sense of your being and of mine, of his being and of hers.
Antimicrobial Effect of Photodynamic Therapy Using Plaque Disclosing Agent
Authors: Kho Junhee , Park Howon , Lee Juhyun , Seo Hyunwoo , Lee Siyoung
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) using plaque disclosing agent, 10 - 20 mM erythrosine, as a photosensitizer.
Multispecies cariogenic biofilms containing Streptococcus mutans , Lactobacillus casei and Candida albicans were formed on hydroxyapatite disc. 20 μM, 10 mM and 20 mM erythrosine were applied as a photosensitizer for 3 minutes, and then light-emitting diode (LED) irradiated for 24 seconds. Colony-forming unit (CFU) were measured and biofilms were observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). CFU were significantly decreased in the PDT groups using 10 - 20 mM erythrosine (10 mM, 20mM) and the results were also confirmed by CLSM.
This study confirms the high antimicrobial effect of photodynamic therapy using plaque disclosing agent as a photosensitizer.
Fracture Strength and Translucency of CAD/CAM Zirconia Crown for Primary Anterior Tooth
Authors: Ong Seung-Hwan , Kim Jongsoo , Kim Jongbin , Shin Jisun , Yoo Seunghoon
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the validity of primary anterior zirconia crown made with Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology by analyzing fracture strength and translucency parameter.
Zirconia crown was designed with CAD software, using 3D scanned data of #61 tooth model. Crown fabrication was performed with CAM machine using zirconia block. Zirconia crowns were divided into 3 groups according to thickness(0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 mm), and fracture strength was compared with 1.0 mm thickness of resin strip crown. The compressive force was applied with universal testing machine at 30° along the incisal edge at increments of 1 mm/min. For translucency evaluation, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 mm thickness of zirconia specimens were fabricated and translucency was measured with spectrophotometer.
Among zirconia groups, there was a significant increase in fracture strength as thickness increased (p < 0.05). The fracture strength of zirconia crown was significantly higher than resin strip crown in all groups (p < 0.05). Translucency parameter was highest in 0.3 mm group, and significantly decreased as thickness increased to 0.5 and 0.7 mm (p < 0.05).
Thin primary anterior zirconia crown can be designed and fabricated according to individual needs by using CAD/CAM. Restoration with thin crown would reduce the amount of tooth reduction, risk of pulp exposure, and make more esthetic restoration possible.
Stratégies de réduction des biais de la décision collaborative à distance, vers une auto-régulation émotionnelle. Revue, clarification de la littérature et extension
Authors: van Hoorebeke Delphine
Published: June 2020

A l’heure des nouvelles technologies, les décisions sont devenues collaboratives à distance. Eléments clés de la décision, les stratégies de réduction de biais cognitifs aident à la gestion des phénomènes qui perturbent la prise de décision optimale. Or, ces stratégies sont peu étudiées dans la prise de décision collaborative à distance. Ainsi, une clarification des écrits sur le sujet révèle une dimension universelle et spécifique à ce type de décisions : l’émotion. Elle permet la construction d’une stratégie de réduction des biais avec ses outils managériaux pour un consensus de groupe à distance allégé en biais au travers d’une auto-régulation émotionnelle.
Antecedents of Female Representation on Corporate Boards: An Exploratory Analysis at Board Level from a Socialized Perspective*
Authors: Dang Rey , Houanti L’Hocine , Teulon Frédéric , Vo Linh-Chi
Published: June 2020

The literature explaining the representation of women on corporate boards (WOCB) has mainly relied on a rational economic perspective. Our study differs by relying on a socialized perspec-tive that is based on Schneider’s (1987) attraction-selection-attrition (ASA) model, Pfeffer’s (1983) organizational demography framework, and Tajfel and Turner’s (1986) social identity theory. We used a sample of French companies listed in the SBF 120 index during 2006-2010 to explore the impact of following antecedents of WOCB: male directors’ demographic traits, hu-man capital, and social capital.
Isomorphisme post-mortem ? La crise de Fagor d’une perspective comparative
Authors: Relano Francesc , Paulet Elisabeth
Published: June 2020

Le présent article se place sous l’angle théorique de l’isomorphisme en vue de savoir s’il existe une éventuelle convergence de pratiques managériales entre coopératives et entreprises capitalistes, notamment dans un processus de crise et faillite. L’originalité de notre approche se résume en trois points : une dimension comparative internationale dans le secteur industriel, une étude à deux niveaux distincts (financier et ressources humaines), et un prolongement de l’analyse traditionnelle des faillites pour se focaliser dans la phase d’après-crise. La conjonction de ces éléments montre bien que Fagor Electrodomesticos n’était pas une entreprise tout à fait comme les autres.
Vecteurs et produits d’une fertilisation croisée dans une recherche-intervention
Authors: Helfrich Vincent , Schäfer Philippe , Ramonjy Dimbi , Petit François
Published: June 2020

Cet article analyse la pratique de la recherche-intervention (RI) en Gestion. Notre terrain repose sur l’étude de deux RI basées sur la mise en oeuvre, selon l’ISO 26000, de démarches de Responsabilité Sociétale de l’Entreprise. Nous proposons une grille d’analyse des mécanismes interactifs (vecteurs) et cognitifs (produits) de la fertilisation en RI, à destination des chercheurs et des gestionnaires. Celle-ci nous permet de proposer une typologie des prototypes de fertilisation de la RI, afin d’aider au pilotage de projets futurs, en favorisant la fertilisation croisée, identifiée comme critère de succès d’une RI.
Comment adresser les problèmes pernicieux de manière créative avec le design thinking ?
Authors: Chanal Valérie , Merminod Valéry
Published: June 2020

Ledesign thinking(DT) se présente comme une méthode de créativité collective particulièrement adaptée à la résolution des problèmes pernicieux. Cependant les travaux sur le DT prennent peu en compte le caractère ouvert des problèmes pernicieux. Nous développons un modèle de la capacité d’une équipe créative à adresser un problème pernicieux basé sur une étude qualitative comparative de quatre projets DT. Cette recherche suggère de développer une démarche permettant une problématisation progressive, la création d’un climat de confiance et la production de résultats de recherche intermédiaires pour alimenter le débat.
Propriété étrangère, investissement et performance des entreprises en Afrique : cas du Cameroun
Authors: Onomo Michel Bertrand Cyrille , Ayou Bene Marius , Fall François Seck
Published: June 2020

Cet article analyse le lien entre propriété étrangère, investissement et performance des entreprises dans un contexte subsaharien, à partir d’un échantillon de 168 entreprises camerounaises sur la période 2007 à 2009. Ce lien est estimé à l’aide d’un modèle à équations simultanées qui, en présence d’un problème d’endogénéité, donne des résultats plus robustes que les modèles usuels. Les résultats montrent que la participation étrangère agit négativement sur la rentabilité des actifs et positivement sur l’investissement. Toutefois ce lien n’est pas linéaire : au-delà de 25 %, la participation étrangère agit positivement sur la rentabilité des actifs et négativement sur l’investissement.
Entre idéal du projet et consensus idéal, différentes approches de la gouvernance démocratique des organisations à but non-lucratif
Authors: Valeau Patrick , Parak Hassen , Annette Frédéric , Boncler Jérôme
Published: June 2020

La gouvernance des organisations à but non lucratif est fondée sur le principe démocratique « un homme, une voix ». Nos trente entretiens restituent un continuum allant de l’« idéal du projet » au « consensus idéal ». L’idéal du projet rejoint la fonction disciplinaire de la gouvernance dans le cadre de laquelle les présidents défendent la réalisation efficiente du projet validée par la majorité. Le consensus idéal correspond à la fonction cognitive suivant laquelle les présidents laissent le projet évoluer en fonction des différents points de vue exprimés au sein de l’assemblée afin d’obtenir l’adhésion de tous.
L’appropriation des politiques d’égalité professionnelle par les acteurs : éléments de contexte et conditions
Authors: Coron Clotilde , Pigeyre Frédérique
Published: June 2020

Cet article questionne la mise en oeuvre d’une politique d’égalité professionnelle femmes-hommes. Fondé sur une étude de cas menée dans une grande entreprise française et mobilisant la perspective appropriative des dispositifs de gestion, il vise à identifier les facteurs structurant l’appropriation de cette politique. Au-delà du degré de professionnalisation des acteurs, plusieurs éléments structurent fortement l’implication des acteurs et donc l’implémentation de la politique : conceptions de l’égalité professionnelle, jeux d’acteurs, articulation entre processus RH et mesures d’égalité professionnelle, et contraintes budgétaires. Cela invite à revenir sur la perspective appropriative pour l’enrichir des dimensions économico-financière et processuelle.
Police, démocratie et mobilisations sociales : entrevue avec Alex S. Vitale
Authors: Guay Emanuel , Plowright Carl E.
Published: June 2020

Le sociologue américain Alex S. Vitale s’est affairé, tant dans sa production universitaire que dans son engagement militant, à documenter l’évolution des rapports entre le système de justice pénale et la politique. Il a noté une tendance de plus en plus marquée, du côté des gouvernements américains, à concevoir les problèmes sociaux comme devant être réglés par la police, les cours de justice et les centres de détention. Ce tournant punitif prend de nombreuses formes, de la criminalisation des communautés racisées et des personnes de confession musulmane jusqu’à l’expansion des forces policières et de leurs prérogatives, en passant par une répression de plus en plus sévère des individus sans statut de citoyenneté aux États-Unis. Notre entretien avec Vitale vise à présenter ses travaux, tout en mettant en lumière les tensions entre la police, la justice sociale et la démocratie.
La théorie de la vitre cassée au Japon : le maillage des réseaux microlocaux par les riverains
Authors: Tokumitsu-Partiot Naoko
Published: June 2020

La participation de la population à la prévention de la délinquance s’est trouvée encouragée au Japon, notamment depuis les années 1990, sous l’influence de la théorie de la vitre cassée. En regard de l’Amérique du Nord ou de la France, par exemple, force est d’y constater une importance plus marquée accordée à l’éducation morale, à laquelle répond un moindre degré d’encadrement par la police. Reposant sur l’analyse de documents remontant aux années 1970 jusqu’à aujourd’hui ainsi que sur des enquêtes de terrain (observations directes, entretiens semi-directifs), notamment à Tokyo (Shibuya et Suginami), cet article vise à décrire la manière dont les concepts états-uniens furent traduits par divers acteurs (cadres policiers, chercheurs, urbanistes, acteurs de terrain) de sorte que s’effectue un rapprochement entre police et population, le rôle des riverains en matière de maintien de l’ordre s’en trouvant dès lors accru. En effet, au moindre signe jugé problématique, cette nouvelle dynamique amène la population à informer les forces de l’ordre, leur intervention étant de ce fait justifiée. Dans le cas d’un quartier commercial, cet aspect revêt un caractère répressif, tout en étant légitimé par la défense de la prospérité économique locale. Un profilage des individus « à risque » apparaît alors, notamment à l’égard des jeunes adolescents et des étrangers. Dans les quartiers résidentiels, en revanche, la diffusion et la traduction de la théorie de la vitre cassée apparaissent plutôt comme un moyen de mettre en valeur le rôle moral des personnes âgées. Ainsi, en instrumentalisant la notion de société civile, la police parvient à se rapprocher d’une certaine partie de la population.
De l’incident à la crise : le cas du contrôle de la police au Québec et en Colombie-Britannique
Authors: Bernier André
Published: June 2020

Cet article s’intéresse à la genèse des crises de légitimité policière associées aux réformes du contrôle externe de la police au Québec et en Colombie-Britannique. En misant sur l’analyse détaillée de trois cas, il cherche à mettre en lumière les ressorts de la dynamique qui mène de l’incident grave impliquant un policier à la crise de légitimité. Partant du constat d’une inégalité des incidents en ce qui concerne leurs effets, l’article cible les caractéristiques qui permettent à certains d’entre eux de se constituer en événements focalisants. Il étudie également la crise en elle-même, de façon à déterminer quels sont les éléments qui permettent à l’incident de devenir un catalyseur du changement dans l’action publique.
Les mobilisations à l’épreuve de l’opacité policière en France
Authors: Boutros Magda
Published: June 2020

Cet article analyse l’impact de l’opacité entourant l’action policière sur les mobilisations qui dénoncent les violences et discriminations policières en France. Sur la base d’une enquête qualitative de trois mobilisations contemporaines, l’article montre que les militants perçoivent l’opacité policière comme un obstacle important à l’élaboration de mobilisations, et qu’ils investissent dans la production de connaissances pour corroborer leurs dénonciations. De nombreux travaux sociologiques ont démontré que les mouvements sociaux participent à la production de connaissances, mais peu ont examiné la manière dont la production de connaissances influence à son tour la définition des causes militantes. En comparant différents modes de production des connaissances, l’enquête révèle que, selon la méthodologie de collecte des données, le matériau empirique collecté et le prisme d’analyse adopté, ceux-ci mettent en évidence différents aspects des pratiques policières, et contribuent ainsi à consolider certains cadrages du problème au détriment d’autres.
Игра дјеце млађег основношколског узраста у виртуелном простору
Authors: Ложњаковић Даниел
Published: June 2020

Игра је одувијек била централна активност у животу сваког дјетета. Дјеца млађег основношколског узраста уз игру могу стицати одређене вјештине и развијати способности, али и усвајати наставне садржаје. О феномену игре, о њеном утицају, функцији и значају у дјечијем развоју, писали су најпознатији педагози и психолози. Сви се они слажу да је игра моћно средство за подстицање свестраног развоја личности. Истраживања на пољу виртуелног простора и његовог утицаја на наведени узтаст код нас је тек у зачецима, али се све више обраћа пажња на њега како се у школе уводи компјутерска технологија.
The ideas of universal grammar in the area of syntax and their reflection in the Russian educational materials of the early XIX century
Authors: Telkova Valentina Alekseevna
Published: June 2020

The subject of this research is the analysis of universal grammar ideas in the area of syntax and their reflection in the Russian educational materials of the early XIX century. The relevance is defined by the fact that writings of the authors of universal grammars contain ideas currently applied in description of fact of language within the framework of generative grammar. View on grammar of A. S. Nikolsky, F. F. Rozanov, L. H. Jacob, I. F. Timkovsky, I. Ornatovsky repeatedly have become the subject of analysis; however, in light on most recent achievements of the theory of linguistics, previous works require revision. Research methodology leans on the theories, which are founded on the principle of historicism in linguistics that allows establishing own patterns in transformation of the subject of research and clearly understands the internal logics of scientific development. With emergence of works of the world renowned American linguist Noam Chomsky, who claimed that his generative grammar is based on the key postulates of universal grammar, the authors of universal grammars have attracted attention once again. The scientific novelty lies in the more objective assessment of the contribution of A. S. Nikolsky, F. F. Rozanov, L. H. Jacob, I. F. Timkovsky, I. Ornatovsky to the development of grammar science, and syntax in particular.  
Hyperalignment: Modeling shared information encoded in idiosyncratic cortical topographies
Authors: Haxby James V , Guntupalli J Swaroop , Nastase Samuel A , Feilong Ma
Published: June 2020

Information that is shared across brains is encoded in idiosyncratic fine-scale functional topographies. Hyperalignment captures shared information by projecting pattern vectors for neural responses and connectivities into a common, high-dimensional information space, rather than by aligning topographies in a canonical anatomical space. Individual transformation matrices project information from individual anatomical spaces into the common model information space, preserving the geometry of pairwise dissimilarities between pattern vectors, and model cortical topography as mixtures of overlapping, individual-specific topographic basis functions, rather than as contiguous functional areas. The fundamental property of brain function that is preserved across brains is information content, rather than the functional properties of local features that support that content. In this Perspective, we present the conceptual framework that motivates hyperalignment, its computational underpinnings for joint modeling of a common information space and idiosyncratic cortical topographies, and discuss implications for understanding the structure of cortical functional architecture.
Abiotic Stress and Red Clover: A Less Explored Area of Research
Authors: Parween Afsha , Singh Vikas , Bajpai Monika
Published: June 2020

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is one of the main forage species from temperate regions and its centre of origin is located in southern Europe and southern Eurasia. Although red clover is Mediterranean in origin, it is a widely adapted species grown in many climatic conditions around the world. It is a perennial, medicinal herb from legume family and it grows best in calcium, phosphorus and potassium rich soils. This medicinal plant is in symbiotic association with bacteria present in its root nodules, thus the plant is capable of fixing the atmospheric nitrogen into the soil thereby increasing the quality of the soil. Red clover is typically used to treat a number of respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, and bronchitis, skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis, inflammatory conditions like arthritis, and to treat women's health problems especially in giving relief from menopausal symptoms. However, the response of Red Clover under abiotic stress conditions is a less explored area of research. The present review highlights the existing potential of Red clover in fighting abiotic stress conditions and also explains the need of developing resistant varieties of this plant to meet the future challenges.
Effect of Aqueous Stem Extract of Loranthus micranthus linn on Anti-microbial Sensitivity, Cytotoxicity, and In-vitro Anti-inflammatory Indices on Human Red Blood Cells
Authors: Udekwu Chinedu E. , Ebhohon Shirley , Ibeh Raymond C. , Ogbonna Henry N. , Nwankpa Ugonna D.
Published: June 2020

Aim: The present study was carried out to investigate the antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous stem extract of Loranthus micranthus (African mistletoe) plant.

Methods: The Disc agar diffusion method was used for the antimicrobial susceptibility test of test organisms to determine the minimum zone of inhibition. The brine shrimp lethality test method was used in determining cytotoxicity, and the heat-induced membrane diffusion method was used for anti-inflammatory indices.

Results: In this study, the antimicrobial activity was evaluated using Escherichia Coli., Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus as test organisms which showed significant zones of inhibition at increasing concentrations (25, 50 and 100 mg/ml) of the plant extract. The result of the cytotoxic investigation after the use of brine shrimps as test organisms revealed that the plant was not toxic as the LC50 did not fall within the concentrations used in this study. Also, the aqueous stem extract of L. micranthus showed significantly lower optical densities of hemoglobin compared to the corresponding standard (Aspirin) concentrations of 25, 50, 100, 200 and 300 µg/ml. This result was in agreement with the % protection of the experimental plant, which showed a significant increase with an increase in concentration, which implies that the aqueous stem extract of L.micranthus has anti-inflammatory effects.

Conclusion: It can, therefore, be concluded that the usage of the aqueous stem extract of Loranthusmicranthus as a therapeutic drug would exert health benefits by virtue of its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and less toxicity, proved in this study.
CNN-LSTM Model for Verifying Predictions of Covid-19 Cases
Authors: Dutta Shawni , Bandyopadhyay Samir Kumar , Kim Tai-Hoon
Published: June 2020

COVID-19 disease came to earth in December 2019 in Wuhan. It is increasing exponentially throughout the world and affected an enormous number of human beings. The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020 declared COVID-19 was characterized as “Pandemic”. Clinical Doctors have been working on it 24 hours in the entire world. These doctors are testing whether the particular human has been affected with the disease using testing kit and other related process. Researchers have been working day-night for developing vaccine for the disease. Since the rate of affected people is so high, it is difficult for clinical doctors to check such a large number of coronavirus detected humans within reasonable time.

This paper attempts to use Machine Learning Approach to build up model which will help clinical doctors for verification of disease within short period of time and also the paper attempts to predict growth of the disease in near future in the world. Two models were used for achieving this purpose- One is based on Convolutional Neural Network model where as another one consists of Convolutional Neural Network and Recurrent Neural Network. These two models are evaluated and compared for verifying the predicted result with respect to the original one. Experimental results indicate that the combined CNN-LSTM approach outperforms well over the other model.
Effect of Storage Methods on Egg Characteristics and Embryonic Development of Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) Eggs
Authors: Jnr Patrick Atta Poku . , Kyere Clement Gyeabour , Annor Serekye Yaw , Boateng Keziah Kyerewaa
Published: June 2020

Aims: This study was conducted to investigate the influence of different egg storage methods on egg characteristics and embryonic development of Guinea fowl (Numedia meleagris) eggs.

Study Design: A Complete randomized design (CRD) was used for the experiment.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Poultry Unit of the Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Mampong campus.

Methodology: A total of one hundred and eighty (180) hatching eggs were used for the experiment. The various experimental coops were labelled in accordance with their experimental treatment as paper crates (T1), vegetable oil (T2) and saw-dust (T3). Each treatment (T) had three replications (20 eggs per replicate), which gave a total of nine replications. Data collected were analyzed using General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS.

Results: Results showed that egg storage methods had significant (P < .05) effect on egg weight after storage, egg weight loss and embryonic development. The highest (P < .05) egg weight after storage was observed among eggs stored with vegetable oil and lower among eggs stored on paper crates. Eggs treated with vegetable oil produced very excellent (P < .05) results with lower weight loss while eggs stored with paper crates recorded the highest weight loss. Embryonic development was significantly (P< .05) higher among eggs treated with vegetable oil followed      by saw-dust with paper crates being the least. Albumen weight and yolk weight was significantly (P < .05) higher among eggs treated with vegetable oil. Similar (P < .05) albumen weight was observed for both saw-dust and paper crates. The least yolk weight was observed among eggs stored on paper crates.

Conclusion: In conclusion, coating table eggs with vegetable oil could be effectively used to preserve egg quality and improve embryonic development.
The Effect of Plant Densities and Different Maturity Types on Maize Grain and Fodder Yield
Authors: Augustine Boakye Boateng , Bright Atta Boateng
Published: June 2020

Three maturity types of maize, Abontem (extra early maturing), Omankwa (early maturing) and Obaatanpa (medium maturing) were evaluated at three different plant densities 66,667 plants ha-1, 100,001 plants ha-1 and 133,334 plants ha-1  to determine the optimum plant density for grain and fodder yield. The experiment was laid   in randomized complete block with four replicates factorial fashion. The maize maturity type had significant influence on all the traits measured. Plant density had significant effect on cob width, grain and fodder yield but no significant influence on plant height, days to 50% anthesis and silking, anthesis and silking interval, cob length and 1000 grain weight. Obaatanpa (medium maturing) was the maize maturity type that produced the highest grain yield (3139 kg ha-1) and fodder yield of (4173 kg ha-1).  Obaatanpa with 133,334 plants ha-1 interaction produced the highest grain and fodder yield with 3186 kg ha-1 and 4240 kg ha-1 respectively. Obaatanpa with 133,334 plants ha-1 would be recommended for commercial grain and fodder production because the high yielding potential as observed in the study.
Wind Analysis of High-Rise Building Resting on Sloping (Hilly) Grounds of Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Ononye Roy O. , Okolie Kevin C. , Ezeokoli F. O. , Ugochukwu S. C.
Published: June 2020

The importance of wind induced vibration is a key factor in the analysis, design and construction of high-rise building structures. Owing to scarce land resources, urbanization and ever-growing demand for accommodation is leading developers into sloping (hilly) grounds which in turn requires researches on the structural equilibrium of these structures. This study draws to mind the requirements of a fast-growing city of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja considering her vast undulating planes and plateaus, high altitudes and windspeeds (50 m/s). Here therein, lies a comparative study of different types of building configurations and responses for sloping grounds using approaches form seismic analyses as a background to achieving set objectives. The study therefore, attempts the application of a commonly used method (Static Wind Analysis, SWA) for analysis of wind loads on structures and also understudying the outcomes of applying the same loads using dynamic method (Response Spectrum Analysis, RSA). STAAD Pro V8i software was used to synthesize both analyses using the ASCE 705 code (wind speed-up over Hills) on 40 models for each analysis method for a 3x5 planar building configurations (G+6, G+8, G+12 and G+18) on grounds (0°, 6°, 14°, 18°, and 27°). The findings confirmed the complexities of sloping ground buildings with a greater chance of vibration and sway for SWA than in RSA. It was concluded, that the Stepback-setback (STPB-SETB) frames were better configured to combat wind loads on sloping grounds for both analyses. Recommendations includes, prioritizing the construction industry, collaboration with international bodies on High-rise development, developing a data base and wind testing facilities.
Evaluation of Drug-related Knowledge and Clinical Skills among Future Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Iqbal Muhammad Zahid , Rajan Sawri , Ahmed Nehad J.
Published: June 2020

Background: The main objective of this study was to determine and compare current drug-related knowledge and clinical skills in terms of medication error identification among future healthcare professionals.

Methods: Study participants were asked to identify errors in three different prescriptions. Around 15 minutes were given to complete the questionnaire without using any references in a classroom setting. The medication error identification rate was calculated based on the number of students that have identified the errors correctly.

Results: Among 225 respondents, significant differences were found between the three groups, i.e. Prescription 1 p=0.001, Prescription 2 p=0.023, Prescription 3 p=0.024. Pharmacy students had higher medication error identification rate compared to medical and nursing students.

Conclusion: Final year pharmacy students were found to have the best drug-related knowledge and clinical skills in terms of medication error identification.
Serum markers improve current prediction of metastasis development in early‐stage melanoma patients: a machine learning‐based study
Authors: Mancuso Filippo , Lage Sergio , Rasero Javier , Díaz‐Ramón José Luis , Apraiz Aintzane , Pérez‐Yarza Gorka , Ezkurra Pilar Ariadna , Penas Cristina , Sánchez‐Diez Ana , García‐Vazquez María Dolores , Gardeazabal Jesús , Izu Rosa , Mujika Karmele , Cortés Jesús , Asumendi Aintzane , Boyano María Dolores
Published: June 2020

Metastasis development represents an important threat for melanoma patients, even when diagnosed at early stages and upon removal of the primary tumor. In this scenario, determination of prognostic biomarkers would be of great interest. Serum contains information about the general status of the organism and therefore represents a valuable source for biomarkers. Thus, we aimed to define serological biomarkers that could be used along with clinical and histopathological features of the disease to predict metastatic events on the early‐stage population of patients. We previously demonstrated that in stage II melanoma patients, serum levels of dermcidin (DCD) were associated with metastatic progression. Based on the relevance of the immune response on the cancer progression and the recent association of DCD with local and systemic immune response against cancer cells, serum DCD was analyzed in a new cohort of patients along with interleukin 4 (IL‐4), IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐17A, interferon γ (IFN‐γ), transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐ β), and granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF). We initially recruited 448 melanoma patients, 323 of whom were diagnosed as stages I‐II according to AJCC. Levels of selected cytokines were determined by ELISA and Luminex, and obtained data were analyzed employing machine learning and Kaplan–Meier techniques to define an algorithm capable of accurately classifying early‐stage melanoma patients with a high and low risk of developing metastasis. The results show that in early‐stage melanoma patients, serum levels of the cytokines IL‐4, GM‐CSF, and DCD together with the Breslow thickness are those that best predict melanoma metastasis. Moreover, resulting algorithm represents a new tool to discriminate subjects with good prognosis from those with high risk for a future metastasis.
Protein Adsorption on Grafted Zwitterionic Polymers Depends on Chain Density and Molecular Weight
Authors: Ahmed Syeda Tajin , Leckband Deborah E.
Published: June 2020

This study demonstrates that protein adsorption on end‐grafted, zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine) (pSBMA) thin films depends on the grafting density, molecular weight, and ionic strength. Zwitterionic polymers exhibit ultralow nonspecific fouling (protein adsorption) and excellent biocompatibility. This picture contrasts with a recent report that soluble pSBMA chains bind proteins and alter the protein folding stability. To address this apparent contradiction, the dependence of protein adsorption on the chain grafting parameters is investigated: namely, the grafting density, molecular weight, and ionic strength. Studies compared the adsorption of phosphoglycerate kinase and positively charged lysozyme versus the scaled grafting parameters/2RF, wheresis the distance between grafting sites andRFis the Flory radius. Plots of the adsorbed protein amount versuss/2RFexhibit a bell‐shaped curve, with a maximum nears/2RF≈ 1 and an amplitude that decreases with ionic strength. This behavior is qualitatively consistent with theoretical models for colloid interactions with weakly attractive, grafted chains. The results confirm that proteins do adsorb to pSBMA thin films, and they suggest an underlying mechanism. Comparisons with polymer models further identify design rules for pSBMA films that effectively repel protein.
Composition Engineering of All‐Inorganic Perovskite Film for Efficient and Operationally Stable Solar Cells
Authors: Tian Jingjing , Wang Jing , Xue Qifan , Niu Tianqi , Yan Lei , Zhu Zonglong , Li Ning , Brabec Christoph J. , Yip Hin‐Lap , Cao Yong
Published: June 2020

Cesium‐based inorganic perovskites have recently attracted great research focus due to their excellent optoelectronic properties and thermal stability. However, the operational instability of all‐inorganic perovskites is still a main hindrance for the commercialization. Herein, a facile approach is reported to simultaneously enhance both the efficiency and long‐term stability for all‐inorganic CsPbI2.5Br0.5 perovskite solar cells via inducing excess lead iodide (PbI2) into the precursors. Comprehensive film and device characterizations are conducted to study the influences of excess PbI2 on the crystal quality, passivation effect, charge dynamics, and photovoltaic performance. It is found that excess PbI2 improves the crystallization process, producing high‐quality CsPbI2.5Br0.5 films with enlarged grain sizes, enhanced crystal orientation, and unchanged phase composition. The residual PbI2 at the grain boundaries also provides a passivation effect, which improves the optoelectronic properties and charge collection property in optimized devices, leading to a power conversion efficiency up to 17.1% with a high open‐circuit voltage of 1.25 V. More importantly, a remarkable long‐term operational stability is also achieved for the optimized CsPbI2.5Br0.5 solar cells, with less than 24% degradation drop at the maximum power point under continuous illumination for 420 h.
Spin‐Torque Manipulation for Hydrogen Sensing
Authors: An Hongyu , Haku Satoshi , Kageyama Yuito , Musha Akira , Tazaki Yuya , Ando Kazuya
Published: June 2020

External manipulation of spin‐orbit torques (SOTs) promises not only energy‐efficient spin‐orbitronic devices but also versatile applications of spin‐based technologies in diverse fields. However, the external electric‐field control, widely used in semiconductor spintronics, is known to be ineffective in conventional metallic spin‐orbitronic devices due to the very short screening length. Here, an alternative approach to control the SOTs by using gases is shown. It is demonstrated that the spin‐torque generation efficiency of a Pd/Ni81Fe19 bilayer can be reversibly manipulated by the absorption and desorption of H2 gas, which appears concomitantly with the change of the electrical resistance. It is found that compared with the change of the Pd resistance induced by the H2 absorption, the change of the spin‐torque generation efficiency is almost an order of magnitude larger. This result provides a new method to externally manipulate the SOTs and paves a way for developing more sensitive hydrogen sensors based on the spin‐orbitronic technology.
Dual Interfacial Modification Engineering with 2D MXene Quantum Dots and Copper Sulphide Nanocrystals Enabled High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Xu , Xu Wen , Ding Nan , Ji Yanan , Pan Gencai , Zhu Jinyang , Zhou Donglei , Wu Yanjie , Chen Cong , Song Hongwei
Published: June 2020

The performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) strongly depends on the electron transport layer (ETL), perovskite absorber, hole transport layer (HTL), and their interfaces. Herein, the first approach to utilize ultrathin 2D titanium‐carbide MXenes (Ti3C2Tx quantum dots, TQD) by engineering the perovskite/TiO2 ETL interface and perovskite absorber and introducing Cu1.8S nanocrystals to perfect the Spiro‐OMeTAD HTL is represented. A significant hysteresis‐free power conversion efficiency improvement from 18.31% to 21.64% of PSCs is achieved after modifications with the enhanced short‐circuit current density, open‐circuit voltages, and fill factor. Various advanced characterizations, including femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, elucidate that the TQD/Cu1.8S significantly contribute to the improved crystalline quality of the perovskite film with its large grain size and improved electron/holes extraction efficiencies at perovskite/ETL and perovskite/HTL interfaces. Furthermore, the long‐time ambient and light stability of PSCs are largely boosted through the TQD and/or Cu1.8S nanocrystals doping, originating from the better crystallization of perovskite, suppressing the film aggregation and crystallization of HTL, and inhibiting the ultraviolet‐induced photocatalysis of the ETL. The findings highlight the TQD and Cu1.8S can act as a superfast electrons and holes tunnel for the optoelectronic devices.
Multifunctional STING‐Activating Mn3O4@Au‐dsDNA/DOX Nanoparticle for Antitumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Zhou Min , Wang Xiaoyu , Lin Shichao , Cheng Yuan , Zhao Sheng , Lin Junshu , Fang Zhuoyao , Lou Zhangping , Qin Li , Wei Hui
Published: June 2020

The promise of immunotherapy for cancer therapy has not been fully fulfilled because portions of tumors are immunosuppressive. To tackle this challenge, the initiation of immune system by stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is explored and multifunctional STING‐activating nanoparticles are rationally designed for synergistic antitumor therapy. The STING‐activating nanoparticles have a formulation of Mn3O4@Au‐dsDNA/DOX, where dsDNA is used to activate STING for immunotherapy and doxorubicin (DOX) is chosen as a model drug for chemotherapy. The STING‐mediated immunity is activated, inducing interferon‐β (IFN‐β) production, increasing T cell priming, and enhancing effector T cell infiltration. Combined with chemotherapy, STING‐mediated immunotherapy shows good antitumor efficacy by inhibiting tumor growth and prolonging survival rate in vivo. The promise of cancer immunotherapy can be fulfilled by combining novel antitumor immunity with innovative nanotechnology, and chemotherapy and targeted therapies.
Schottky‐Contacted Nanowire Sensors
Authors: Meng Jianping , Li Zhou
Published: June 2020

The progress of the Internet‐of‐Things in the past few years has necessitated the support of high‐performance sensors. Schottky‐contacted nanowire sensors have attracted considerable attention owing to their high sensitivity and fast response time. Their progress is reviewed here, based on several kinds of important nanowires, for applications such as bio/chemical sensors, gas sensors, photodetectors, and strain sensors. Although Schottky‐contacted nanowire sensors deliver excellent performance in these fields, they can be further improved by various methods, including defect engineering, surface modification, the piezotronic effect, and the piezophototronic effect, all of which are discussed here. With regard to practical applications, further efforts are required to address challenges such as the stability, selectivity, ultrafast response, multifunctionality, flexibility, distributed energy supply, and sustainability of Schottky‐contacted nanowire sensors. Finally, future perspectives and solutions are discussed.
Confinement of Dyes inside Boron Nitride Nanotubes: Photostable and Shifted Fluorescence down to the Near Infrared
Authors: Allard Charlotte , Schué Léonard , Fossard Frédéric , Recher Gaëlle , Nascimento Rafaella , Flahaut Emmanuel , Loiseau Annick , Desjardins Patrick , Martel Richard , Gaufrès Etienne
Published: June 2020

Fluorescence is ubiquitous in life science and used in many fields of research ranging from ecology to medicine. Among the most common fluorogenic compounds, dyes are being exploited in bioimaging for their outstanding optical properties from UV down to the near IR (NIR). However, dye molecules are often toxic to living organisms and photodegradable, which limits the time window for in vivo experiments. Here, it is demonstrated that organic dye molecules are passivated and photostable when they are encapsulated inside a boron nitride nanotube (dyes@BNNT). The results show that the BNNTs drive an aggregation of the encapsulated dyes, which induces a redshifted fluorescence from visible to NIR‐II. The fluorescence remains strong and stable, exempt of bleaching and blinking, over a time scale longer than that of free dyes by more than 104. This passivation also reduces the toxicity of the dyes and induces exceptional chemical robustness, even in harsh conditions. These properties are highlighted in bioimaging where the dyes@BNNT nanohybrids are used as fluorescent nanoprobes for in vivo monitoring of Daphnia Pulex microorganisms and for diffusion tracking on human hepatoblastoma cells with two‐photon imaging.
Self‐Aggregation to Construct Hydroxide Highways in Anion Exchange Membranes
Authors: Yang Yinfeng , Fu Na , Dong Qin , Li Meirong , Li Jing , Li Cunpu , Wei Zidong
Published: June 2020

Well‐organized hydroxide channels are constructed by introducing quaternary ammonium phthalocyanine (QAPc) into anion exchange membranes. A hydroxide conductivity as high as 236.2 mS cm−1@80 °C is successfully achieved by striking a balance between the self‐aggregation advantage and the weak basicity weakness of the QAPc side chains. The strong π–π interaction between QAPc macrocycles is utilized to force the positive charged head groups to aggregate for the formation of hydroxide channels, and trimethylamine (TMA) head groups are added to increase regional OH− mobility. 5 nm hydroxide channels are confirmed by synchrotron radiation and transmission electron microscope methods. Coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulation provide further theoretical chemistry evidences for the enhanced OH− transportation mechanism in the QAPc‐containing AEMs.
In Situ Probing Unusual Protein Adsorption Behavior on Electrified Zwitterionic Conducting Polymers
Authors: Wu Jhih‐Guang , Wei Shu‐Chen , Luo Shyh‐Chyang
Published: June 2020

Understanding the phenomenon of protein adsorption on electrified conducting polymer‐based electrodes is an important issue in organic bioelectronics. To investigate both specific and nonspecific protein adsorption on electrified electrodes, C‐reactive protein (CRP) binding behavior is measured in situ and is compared with the nonspecific binding of bovine serum albumin and lysozyme on electrified phosphorylcholine‐functionalized poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (poly(EDOT‐PC)) by using an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (EQCM‐D) and an electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC‐AFM). According to the result of EQCM‐D, an unexpected enhancement is observed in the CRP binding on the electrified poly(EDOT‐PC) when both −0.5 and 0.5 V (versus Ag/AgCl) potentials are applied to poly(EDOT‐PC). Furthermore, an EC‐AFM is used to in situ map the surface topography and modulus of poly(EDOT‐PC) under the application of surface potentials. Together with EQCM‐D measurements, the large enhancement of CRP binding can be visualized as the formation of a loose and thick CRP multilayer of low surface modulus, high root‐mean‐square roughness, and high dissipation when a potential of 0.5 V is subjected to poly(EDOT‐PC). It is concluded that the enhancement in CRP binding is mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of specific protein recognition and electrostatic interaction between the CRP and poly(EDOT‐PC).
Recent Advances in Bismuth Ion‐Doped Phosphor Materials: Structure Design, Tunable Photoluminescence Properties, and Application in White LEDs
Authors: Dang Peipei , Liu Dongjie , Li Guogang , Al Kheraif Abdulaziz A. , Lin Jun
Published: June 2020

Bismuth ion is an excellent activator and sensitizer for luminescent materials, which has been extensively studied during the recent decades. Bi3+‐doped phosphors have received considerable attention for their abundant emission colors covering the whole visible light region under ultraviolet (UV) and near ultraviolet (n‐UV) excitation, in flexible crystal structures. These phosphor materials have demonstrated potential applications in solid‐state lighting, display, biomedical, and optical sensing. Herein, the recent advances in the structure design and photoluminescence properties of Bi3+‐doped phosphors together with their white light emitting diode (WLED) applications are reviewed. The design strategies for crystal structure and the discovery of typical phosphors are systematically summarized, and the luminescent properties of Bi3+can be effectively regulated by these strategies. Then, the design of polychromatic Bi3+‐doped phosphors produced by different doping ions is described, which in turn can adjust the emission colors and realize a single‐component white‐light emission. This review will promote researches on the discovery of new Bi3+‐doped phosphor materials, and the design strategies could provide an extensive guidance for the discovery and preparation of high‐efficient phosphors with color‐tunable emission including white‐emission for WLEDs in the future. Additionally, research progress of Bi3+‐doped perovskite and Bi2+‐doped phosphor materials is briefly elucidated.