bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective removal of lead(II) migrated from kitchen faucets using multi-slice feathery γ-alumina
Authors: He Huihui , Luo Ligang , Lou Caiying , Che Xihong , Yao Huazhen , Yuan Ronghui
Published: September 2020

In this study, γ-Al2O3 was synthesized using a hydrothermal method and its morphology and chemical composition was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The TEM images, EDX and XRD spectrum highlight good crystallization and multi-slice feathery microstructure, involving relatively pure crystal sintering. The Pb(II) concentration analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after centrifuging is linked to the γ-Al2O3 adsorption, and a removal method for Pb(II) from water passing through kitchen faucets is proposed. The Pb(II) value below 0.06 mg g−1 relative to the γ-Al2O3 value reveals 94% adsorption. Further assessment of the alumina separation effect for faucets shows Pb(II) precipitation from the downstream of the valve spool is below 0.16 μg L−1. About 0.12 g adsorbent is mixed with 1.0 L tap water to produce a suspension for effective soaking. The proposed method produced satisfactory results, providing a theoretical basis for authorities to exploit on heavy metal removal from kitchen faucets.
Optimization of the spatial pattern of land use in mountain towns -- a case study of Yuexi county, Anqing city, Anhui province
Authors: Wang Mengyang , Dong Zhangyu , Wei Xin , Xiang Qiaomei
Published: September 2020

There are a lot of unused land and land type distribution problems in the land use layout of mountain towns. Mountainous area is widely distributed in China. In the past, scholars focused on the big cities in the planning of land use layout, but paid little attention to the towns in mountainous area.This paper takes Yuexi county, Anqing city, Anhui province as the research area, and based on the principle of multi-objective particle swarm optimization. Firstly, the current land use map was pretreated with unused land and aggregation. The unused land was converted into a high-grade land type according to the suitability map. The aggregation processing increases the aggregation of a certain land type in the eight neighboring areas. Then, the multi-objective function is combined with the particle swarm optimization(PSO) algorithm, and the PSO algorithm is used to update the iterative operation, and the optimal layout scheme is selected. Finally, from the area changes before and after the optimization, economic, ecological benefits and spatial layout of the evaluation. The results showed that the optimized economic and ecological benefits were 9092.7397 million yuan and 40.09377 million yuan higher than the original, respectively. Moreover, after the optimization, the landscape fragmentation index of the original layout was improved by 0.019930486 per hectare compared with that of the original, and the aggregation was greatly improved in space, so the research has corresponding value.
Landscape assessment of Mountain Qingxiu using internet landscape discourse and LSTM
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Shen Shouyun , Liao Qiulin , Chen Cuiyi , Sun Yao
Published: September 2020

The internet era has provided a wealth of data sources for landscape assessment by updating the methods of information exchange in public. Landscape assessment using internet discourse and computer language can provide guidance for the rational use of landscape and the scientific management of scenic areas. By taking the internet discourse of travels and reviews about Mountain Qinxiu as research objects, this study extracted the landscape assessment objects and analyze the sentiment responds of landscape using LSTM recurrent neural network. And the sentiment characteristics were analyzed by the sentiment-heat IPA quadrant. According to the results of the study, the public’s landscape assessment is both discrete and convergent. The landscape assessment of Mountain Qinxiu is mainly positive; There is no regular correlation between the landscape thermal index and the landscape sentiment assessment; The sentiment scores of landscape elements indicates that the plant landscapes and meteorological landscapes are natural landscape elements with high recognition, while the cultural features, buildings, and landscapes in human landscape elements are attractions with potential for development. The sentiment scores of attractions indicates that the botanical landscapes are natural attractions with high recognition, and the architectural and garden landscapes in humanistic attractions are attractions with potential for development. It can be found that the sentiment-based landscape assessment of Mountain Qingxiu using LSTM and internet discourse can effectively complement traditional methods of landscape assessment and provide a better opportunity for the public to participate in the management of landscapes.
Quantitative analysis of natural capital utilization in the provinces along the Silk Road Economic Belt (China section)
Authors: Guo Shanshan , Wang Yinghong , Wu Changyue , He Wei , Xiang Lan
Published: September 2020

The provinces along the Silk Road Economic Belt in China section is undergoing a rapid economic development, but meanwhile poses a severe situation for the ecological environment. In this paper, we involved the pollution discharge account to analyse the pressure of natural capital depletion on the ecological environment from 2005 to 2016 with combination of improved ecological footprint and scissors difference. The results show that: (1) The ecological footprint (EF) in this region almost doubled over the past 12 years, while the ecological capacity (EC) was rather low and experienced a slightly decrease. With increase of ecological deficit (ED), the capital flow could not maintain economic and social development recently, and the depletion of the natural capital stock has become general. (2) Spatially, the variation of EF varies greatly in different provinces, but as a whole, the per capita EF in Northwest region was much higher than that in Southwest. The provinces with high EF depth concentrated in the east and north margin with relatively better economy, while the provinces with high EF size concentrated in northwest region with abundant resources and low population density. (3) The decrease of scissors difference between EF depth and EF size indicates that positive effects of ecological restoration projects have been exerted and the conflict between supply and demand of natural resources tends to be eased to some extent. These findings could provide specific policy implications for this region to improve the efficiency of natural capital utilization and promote the coordinated development of economy and environment.
Irradiation caused gas generation from organic matter: evidence from the neutron irradiation experiment
Authors: Wang Huajian , Zhao Wenzhi , Cai Yuwen , Ye Yuntao , Wang Xiaomei , Bi Lina , Zhang Shuichang
Published: September 2020

The effects of U natural decay on the oil and gas generation are still controversial. We implemented a simulation experiment of neutron irradiation on immature organic matter, confirmed its benefit on oil generation. Here we report the generated gases and their composition and isotope characteristics. H2 was the most abundant gas, with a maximum yield of 1145.3 ml/g TOC, followed by N2, CO2, then CH4 and C2H6. All of the gases were depleted in D or 13C, indicating their organic source. H2 was suggested to be directly from kerogen, through a dehydrogenation and abstraction pathway. However, the specific generation mechanisms of N2, CO2, and CH4 were still unclear. Gas generation from kerogen will increase the gas-to-oil ratio of the hydrocarbon products, and make the oil much easier to discharge. It is of great importance to consider the artificial irradiation or U natural decay caused gas generation in the exploration and development of low-mature and immature shale oil.
Spatiotemporal variations and controlling factors of the surface pCO2in the northern South China Sea
Authors: Ma Yu , Shi Huaming , Li Tuanjie , Li Ruixiang , Cai Yucan , Zhang Yan , Xu Xin , Wang Xiang , Wang Di
Published: September 2020

The focal area of this study was the northern South China Sea (NSCS; 18.5°-22.5°N, 1.0°-8.0°E), located on the northwestern shelf of the SCS. The surfacepCO2(pCO2w), sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface salinity (SSS) was measured by continuous measurement system during four field surveys to show their spatiotemporal variations in the NSCS. LowpCO2win the southwestern region of PRE were observed in four seasons, particularly in spring and summer. The Pearl River diluted water (PRDW) discharged a large amount of nutrients into nearshore waters, which promoted phytoplankton propagation and CO2uptake in spring and summer. On the contrary, primary productivity was low in winter and late autumn, runoff input of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) played important role in increasing thepCO2in nearshore waters, so the PRDW controlled the spatiotemporal variations ofpCO2win the coastal and inner shelf. ThepCO2win the outer shelf and slope were relatively high in four seasons, and SST was the critical controlling factor ofpCO2w, sea-air CO2exchange also played role in the seasonal scales ofpCO2w, the impact of weather and climate events on the variations ofpCO2wand sea-air CO2flux in the short term also were remarkable. Generally, the NSCS acted as sink of atmospheric CO2in spring, late autumn and winter, particularly in latter two seasons, in contrast, it was weak CO21source in summer.
3D steerable pyramid decomposition and its application in seismic data processing and interpretation
Authors: Lin Chun , Tang Xiangrong
Published: September 2020

The application of 3D multi-scale geometric analysis in seismic data processing and interpretation is still in the preliminary stage. The principle of 3D Steerable Pyramid decomposition and reconstruction in frequency domain is analyzed in detail. Spherical low- pass filters and steerable filters are adopted to realize multi-scale and multi-directional decomposition of 3D Steerable Pyramid, and applied to the actual 3D seismic data for random noise attenuation, detection of faults, channels and sand bodies by selecting weighting function in the process of reconstruction. The application of actual 3D seismic data shows that: 1) When the weights are all equal to 1, perfect reconstruction is achieved, the random noise can be removed by threshold method in the decomposition domain of 3D Steerable Pyramid, the denoising results are clean, and the continuity of the event, the characteristics of the reflected wave group and the breakpoint are clearer; 2) Weighting reconstruction can enhance some features. Compared with amplitude and coherent attribute analysis, the data weighting reconstructed by 3D Steerable Pyramid decomposition not only shows faults and channels completely and meticulously, but also presents an even more impressive picture of sand body’s boundary, thus achieving the optimal application effect.
Applicability analysis of palmer drought index in Yunnan- Guizhou Plateau in China
Authors: Li Yan , Guo Haiping
Published: September 2020

Monitoring and assessment of droughts is of primary importance for meteorologists, ecologists, freshwater managers and government decision makers. As a widely used drought monitoring index, the applicability of PDSI is very important. This study evaluates the applicability of PDSI over the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau in China by utilizing time series and correlation analysis between ground observations and actual drought and flood records. The main conclusions were as follows: 1) the dry and wet conditions in the study area were divided into two periods. The climate was wet from 1951 to 2003, except for 1961, 1963-1964, 1988-1990, and the wetting level reached medium strength in 1966, 1968, 1983-1984, 1992, 1996, 1998 and 2000. Since 2003 to 2015, there had been a trend of drought, and the degree of drought is large, especially in 2006 and 2010-2014, some years reached severe drought. The spatial distribution characteristics of multi-year PDSI was not obvious in the plateau area. There had been a slight drought in south-central Yunnan province and south-eastern Guizhou province. 2) The water loss caused by surface runoff was serious in plateau area. There was a high positive correlation between PSDI and surface runoff at a 99% probability level, which further indicated that surface runoff was the main factor leading to drought in this region. 3) The assumptions of PDSI model is suggested to be modified in the region like Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau: when the upper soil’s water content reaches the lower soil’s water content, surface runoff occurs. It is expected to provide references for the applicability analysis of PDSI in different underlying surface/subsurface conditions.
Research on the application of Magnetic Resonance Sounding in dam leakage detection
Authors: Li Fan , Li Kaitian , Lu Kai , Li Zhenyu
Published: September 2020

Reservoir dams and embankments are important water conservancy facilities, which play an important role in promoting the economy and protecting people’s safety. 95% of the reservoir dams in China are made of earth or stone. Among them, the leakage of dam body or dam foundation is common. At present, most of the detection methods of dam leakage are indirect, and the physical parameters such as conductivity, density and temperature used by them have no definite relationship with groundwater. Magnetic Resonance Sounding is a promising geophysical method, by which hydrogeological information such as position, water content, porosity and permeability of aquifer can be obtained directly. This method has a high application prospect in dam leakage detection. In this paper, a theoretical model is established based on the typical dam structure, and the nuclear magnetic resonance response of the dam leakage is studied by numerical simulation. This paper also analyses the influence of the reservoir water on the nuclear magnetic resonance signal. The validity and feasibility of the method are verified by the inversion of the field data in Nanchuan embankment.
A new perspective of the forming of calcareous layers above oil sand through the analysis of paleo-environment
Authors: Wu Zhaohui , Liu Xiantai , Du Yushan , Wu Yinghao , Yang Lingzhi , Zhai Linxiu , Wu Jinxi , Lao Haigang , Wu Jinfeng , Wu Yingxin , Guo Jinhui , Liu Xilei , Lu Yanqiu , Chen Mingming , Liang Jinping , Ma Jian
Published: September 2020

Lithology and architecture of alluvial fans can become too complicated, influenced by rapid deposition of sediments near the provenance. The paleo-environment of oil sand can be often better observed through drilling cores and well loggings, rather than outcrops and seismic attributes, for the outcrops are usually covered by modern deposition and not allowed to be exploited while seismic waves often cannot detect layers too shallow above 200m. Reservoirs are mostly buried at extremely shallow depths from 0 to 500m. Oil is mostly found within a mixture of oil sand and carbonates. The calcareous layer, which is steady and widespread with a thickness of 0.5∼2m, is found above the oil sand layer in all wells. The limestone above oil sand layer shows a significant change of facies and paleo-environment. Only sandstone with abundant oil can easily form the carbonates above oil sand, which means the calcareous content is a result of temp and pressure change at the edge of oil layers. As a vivid description, the calcareous content is similar to the environment of calculus, which also underwent a change of pressure&temp with a concentration of CO2. These phenomena can also be observed in micro-level or use chemical reactions to explain why both calculus and calcareous can form after they underwent temp and pressure change accompanied with oil.
Application of conventional logging interpretation fracture method based on neural network in offshore Oilfield L
Authors: Yang Lina , Shi Changlin , Wei Li , Zhang Jian , Wang Xinran , Xu Shengli
Published: September 2020

The well data is required as a constraint for fracture prediction in the area. At present, imaging logging is considered to be the most accurate and effective means to interpret fractures, which can show the geological characteristics of the two-dimensional space of the borehole wall intuitively, vividly and clearly, but the experimental data is scarce due to the high cost of measurement. Conventional logging data are the main logging data in domestic oil and gas fields, so it is very important to use conventional logging data to effectively interpret fractures in the absence of drilling coring and imaging logging data. Based on the neural network algorithm, taking offshore Oilfield L in China as the application target, this paper optimizes the combination of conventional logging curves by establishing the nonlinear mapping relationship between the fracture strength curve and the conventional logging curve of sample wells with imaging logging data. By establishing the neural network model with nonlinear high learning ability for the optimized conventional logging curve and fracture strength curve, the fracture identification is carried out for the target interval of non sample wells. The results show that this method can combine geology, geophysics, mathematics, computer and so on, and can effectively identify fractures in the study area. It has good adaptability to offshore fractured reservoir.
Preliminary studies on deep-penetrating geochemical methods in exploration for concealed volcanic-type uranium deposit
Authors: Ke Dan , Zhang Wanming , Li Lina , Wu Guodong , Liu Hongjun
Published: September 2020

Volcanic-type uranium deposit is one of the most important type of uranium resources in China. It has been proved by the scientific deep drilling work accomplished in 2015 that uranium mineralization can be detected at the depth of more than one thousand meters, where there are no significant radiometric or other exploration geochemical anomalies that can be acquired on ground surface. With the progress of exploration for uranium resources in China, deposits which are exposed on surface or shallow-buried are all almost discovered already. It has become a challenging task to explore the deep-buried deposits for uranium geologists. Application experiments are carried out in Xiangshan uranium deposit field using two kinds of deep-penetrating geochemical methods, including the Selective Leaching of Mobile Metals(MOMEO) and Electro-geochemistry techniques(CHIM).The U ore bodies are manifested as a clear CHIM anomaly of U. The adsorbed and exchangeable forms of U obtained with the MOMEO technique is demonstrated as lower single peak anomalies compared with the CHIM technique. The ‘total’ U element content shows no clear anomaly over the uranium mineralization, while there is only a single point high value with an intensity up to 12.5 ppm of U. The polonium-210 shows no significant anomalies over the uranium mineralization.According to the results obtained in this paper, two kinds of deep-penetrating geochemical signatures demonstrate more effective role in detecting the concealed uranium mineralization than traditional methods. The deep-penetrating geochemical methods are bound to play an important role in exploring for deep-buried and concealed uranium deposits in China.
Porous Graphene for Sea Water Desalination Considering the Effects of Fluorine/nitrogen Modification: A Molecular Dynamic Study
Authors: Fa Zhang
Published: September 2020

Sea water desalination becomes more and more important as the consumption of fresh water. Forward osmosis (FO) is a novel technology for sea water or brackish water desalination, where a most important device, semi-permeable membrane, are required low resistance, high selection and inexpensive. In this study, based on molecular dynamic simulations, we explored the performance of porous graphene as the semi-permeable membrane for sea water desalination. Fluorine (F) and nitrogen (N) are adopted to optimize the property of graphene pore. We found that although pure pore have highest water flux (indicating lower resistance), N modified pore has the best selection due to the high electronegativity of N atoms. The about 60 L/cm2/h water flux and 100% solute rejection ratio confirm the graphene with N modified pores is good candidate as a semi-permeable membrane for sea water desalination.
Research on Variable Sweepback Angle of Winglet Driven by Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Chao , Liu Bingfei , Zhang Boli , Wang Liwen
Published: September 2020

Because of its shape memory effect, shape memory alloy (SMA), as a driver, provides more possibilities for the design and optimization of winglets of variable sweepback angle. In view of three different flight states of a large civil aircraft, i.e. take-off, cruise and landing, the effects of different winglets of variable sweepback angle on the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft are analyzed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and then the optimal sweepback angles are 35°, 45° and 50° respectively. Based on the change of the sweepback angle of winglets in different flight states, a variable sweepback winglet structure based on SMA wire is designed. Combined with SMA constitutive relation, SMA driving mechanism is designed by the coupling method of force, heat and strain. The mechanism can automatically adjust the swept angle of winglets according to different flight conditions, so as to improve the lift drag ratio of wings.
The Simulation of Aircraft Ditching Based on ALE Method
Authors: Feng Sun , Wang Mingzhen , Wu Bin , Chao He
Published: September 2020

Ditching is an emergency measure for landing on the water when the aircraft cannot continue to fly in an accident. In order to verify the performance of the aircraft ditching, this paper carry out a simulation study on ditching of fixed-wing aircraft on the water. First determine the simulation method, material model and constitutive equation, and then analyze the influence of the sinking speed and attitude changes on the ditching of the aircraft. The simulation method adopts arbitrary Lagrange-Euler method (ALE). The results show that as the sinking speed increases, the load will increase accordingly. As the initial attitude angle increases, the vertical acceleration gradually decreases, and the longitudinal acceleration is basically the same, the pressure acting area gradually moves backward, and the pressure area gradually decreases. It is necessary to take appropriate local strengthening measures on the dangerous region.
Study of Tail Rudder Deflection Angles for Stabilizing the Twin Turboprop Small Passenger Aircraft in Critical Flight due to One Engine Failed Condition
Authors: Agatha Y. V. , Nirbito W.
Published: September 2020

An aircraft must have durability, whether for normal flight condition and for a critical flight condition. One of the critical flight conditions of a twin-engines aircraft is the failure of one engine while the aircraft is cruising. The aircraft with only one live engine on will still have enough power to generate thrust. However, the aircraft will experience a moment couple due to the thrust on the remaining engine that makes the aircraft to yaw. This yaw effect must be compensated by the flight control in order to maintain a stable flight condition. The rudder as one of the flight control systems manages the aircraft yaw motion. So, therefore the rudder deflection angle must be set properly as a treatment to overcome the moment force of the live engine. Study to determine best approximated optimum rudder deflection angle setting were conducted to get the figures of how the counter side forces generated on the rudder can maintain a stable flight. The result of the study can be applied as important guidance for a pilot to control the aircraft in a critical flight condition due to one engine fails. Considerations on the strength and integrity of the rudder structure especially at the hinge pivot points between the dynamic and the static parts are taken account as well.
Research on Modeling Design of Ear Thermometer Based on User Image
Authors: Lei Hu , Xin Zou
Published: September 2020

The purpose is to enable users to obtain a better perception experience and enhance the user’s perceptual needs recognition of the appearance of the ear thermometer. The method is guided by the kansei engineering theory, through quantitative analysis of perceptual needs evaluation and eye tracking test. Obtain the mapping relationship between the vocabulary representing the sexy image and the modeling features of the ear thermometer, and conduct the example design of the product form of the ear thermometer based on user needs. Conclusion The design practice verifies that the ear thermometer design method based on user image preference has high feasibility. Provide product development directions for related companies and designers.
RecyGlass, A Low-cost System for Recycling Glass Bottles in a Distinctive Way
Authors: Montoya Andrée , Bravo Leonardo , Velasquez Mario , Oscanoa Hector , Portella Jhon
Published: September 2020

Traditional glass recycling processes exhibit difficulties when it comes to segregating carefully the glass material by type and color. Having this in mind, new recycling alternatives that avoid this stage in the entire process have arisen. Nevertheless, they are still dangerous for operators or novel users. To surpass both problems, this paper presents in detail the mechanical, electronic and control design and implementation of RecyGlass, a low-cost autonomous glass recycling machine with 6 different sub-systems: clamping, rotational, translational, cutting, polishing, and serigraphy. Real and 3D model images are used to present in a better way the design and result of the RecyGlass project in its different design levels. Finally, this work also analyses, in the conclusion section, the energy consumption of our alternative compared to traditional glass recycling processes.
Innovative Design of Household Body Composition Analyzer Based on INPD and QFD
Authors: Huan Jia-Mei , Yang Chen , Fei Luo
Published: September 2020

In order to solve the problems that the household body composition analyzer has not yet established a good experience relationship with users and the diversity of user needs, a new design method is proposed to get a more complete solution. Taking INPD as a research framework, re-examining the changes of SET factors can create new product opportunities and find product opportunity gaps; Through market surveys and user surveys, in-depth digging into the needs, preferences and expectations of target user groups, understanding product opportunity; Combining QFD models quantitatively analyze user needs and refine design requirements, establish a mapping relationship between user needs and design requirements, and quantify key design requirements. Through the combination of INPD and QFD, a design scheme driven by customer needs is given, which solves user needs to a certain extent, and its feasibility provides a reference for the innovative design of such products.
Effect of annealing temperature and time on the microstructure, mechanical properties and conductivity of cold-rolled explosive Cu/Al composite sheets
Authors: Li Huizhong , Yang Yong , Liang Xiaopeng , Zhang Wending , Cao Liangming , Wu Chunping , Zeng Zhiheng , Wang Li
Published: September 2020

The 1.5 mm thick Cu/Al composite sheet was obtained after explosive-welding and 6 passes cold rolling. The effects of annealing temperature and time on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and conductivity of cold-rolled Cu/Al composite sheets were investigated. The results show that the thickness of the interface diffusion layer with compounds of Al2Cu, AlCu, and Al4Cu9 increases with the increase in annealing temperature and holding time, and the total activation energy is 108 kJ mol−1. The tensile strength of composite sheets decreases and the fracture elongation increases with the increase of annealing temperature. Especially when the annealing temperature increased from 300 ℃ to 350 ℃, the tensile yield strength decreased from 225 MPa to 77 MPa, and the elongation increased from 16% to 37.5%. The tensile-shear strength of composite sheets reaches to 117 MPa after annealing at 400 ℃ for 2 h. The conductivity of composite sheet is greatly affected by the annealing time. At the annealing temperature of 350 ℃ and time of 4 h, the composite sheets show a better conductivity of 96.4% IACS.
Effect of CNT on microstructural properties of Zn2SiO4/CNT composite via dry powder processing
Authors: Chan Kar Fei , Mohd Zaid Mohd Hafiz , Liza Shahira , Matori Khamirul Amin , Mamat Md Shuhazlly , Hazan Mohammad Adib , Yaakob Yazid
Published: September 2020

This work focused on the influence of carbon nanotubes (CNT) to the microstructural properties of Zn2SiO4/CNT (ZSO/CNT) composite. CNT was synthesized via alcohol catalytic chemical vapor deposition (ACCVD) using cobalt oxide as catalyst and ethanol as carbon source. Zinc silicate (ZSO) glass was prepared from quenching the melted commercial waste glass bottle with zinc oxide powder. ZSO/CNT-x composites with various CNT concentration (0, 1, 2 and 3 wt%) was prepared through introducing CNT into ZSO glass via dry processing technique followed by sintering process in Argon gas (Ar) environment and atmospheric (atm) environment, respectively. FESEM, XRD and EDS were employed to determine the surface morphology, phase composition and elemental distribution of sintered sample. Crystallite trigonal willemite (Zn2SiO4) phase was observed from argon sintered sample and the crystallite size of willemite phase in ZSO/CNT-3/Ar showed the most reduced lattice strain of 22.85% compared to ZSO/CNT-0/Ar. In contrast, semi-crystalline phase exhibited in atmospheric sintered sample resulted in high lattice strain. It is concluded that dry powder processing and inert gas thermal treatment can be an effective technique in fabricating strain-reduced ceramics/CNT composite without alternating the domain phase. Least internal strain in crystal lattice have potential on enhancing the luminescence properties of phosphor material and lattice thermal conductivity of thermoelectric material.
Women and ethnic-minority researchers fare worse in fight for UK grants
Authors: Allen Michael
Published: September 2020

The proportion of grants from UK research councils that are awarded to principal investigators who identify as an ethnic minority has remained static over the past five years.
COVID-19: an economic perspective
Authors: Skuse Benjamin
Published: September 2020

J Doyne Farmer – a physicist who has studied the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic – talks to Benjamin Skuse about lockdown easing and the prospects of financial recovery
The power of authority
Authors: Crease Robert P
Published: September 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined why the authority of science is so important – and how it’s so easy to lose. Robert P Crease explains
JASON group advises how US labs can reopen
Authors: Gwynne Peter
Published: September 2020

An effective contact-and-trace system, the widespread use of masks, and researchers working in small groups.
Eco-friendly foam biocomposites based on cellulose extracted from date palm leaves and low-density polyethylene
Authors: Maria Hanna J , Luyt Adriaan Stephanus , Popelka Anton , Nzihou Ange , Egorov Vladimir Valentinovich , Krupa Igor , Al-Ali Al-Maadeed Mariam A S , Thomas Sabu
Published: September 2020

The design of composite materials using environmentally compatible materials and adopting sustainable preparation techniques is very necessary for a better environment. The present study is a step towards developing an environmentally friendly alternative to foam-based composites. The aim of the study is to understand the effect of natural fibers from date palms on the property of foam biocomposites. We adopted an environmentally friendly method of compatibilization between the polymer and the fibers for better reinforcement. The compatibility was done by environmentally friendly physical modification using plasma treatment. Plasma treatment provides surface modification and is an economical solution for further processing. In fact, three types of interfaces have been created: (1) by the addition of maleic anhydride, (2) by the use of plasma-treated low-density polyethylene, (3) by the combination of maleic anhydride and plasma. The overall performance was best in the use of plasma treatment alone. The effect was carefully analyzed based on morphological, mechanical and thermal studies. Finally, a morphology–property correlation was established.
COVID 19: prioritise autonomy, beneficence and conversations before score-based triage
Authors: Ho Esther Peiying , Neo Han-Yee
Published: September 2020

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, mounting demand overwhelmed critical care surge capacities, triggering implementation of triage protocols to determine ventilator allocation. Relying on triage scores to ration care, while relieving clinicians from making morally distressing decisions under high situational pressure, distracts clinicians from what is essentially deeply humanistic issues entrenched in this protracted public health crisis. Such an approach will become increasingly untenable as countries flatten their epidemic curves. Decisions regarding intensive care unit admission are particularly challenging in older people, who are most likely to require critical care, but for whom benefits are most uncertain. Before applying score-based triage, physicians must first discern if older people will benefit from critical care (beneficence) and second, if he wants critical care (autonomy). When deliberating beneficence, physicians should steer away from solely using age-stratified survival probabilities from epidemiological data. Instead, decisions must be based on individualised risk-stratification that encompasses evidence-based predictors of adverse outcomes specific to older adults. Survival will also need to be weighed against burden of treatment, as well as longer term functional deficits and quality-of-life. By identifying the robust older people who may benefit from critical care, clinicians should proceed to elicit his values and preferences that would determine the treatment most aligned with his best interest. During these dialogues, physicians must truthfully convey the emergent clinical reality, discern the older person’s therapeutic goals and discuss the feasibility of achieving them. Given that COVID-19 is here to stay, these conversations aimed at achieving goal-cordant care must become a new clinical norm.
Management of patients admitted to hospital with acute vertebral fragility fractures: a modified Delphi study
Authors: Ong Terence , Sahota Opinder , Gladman John R F
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Acute vertebral fragility fracture requiring hospital admission is common, painful and disabling. No comprehensive clinical guideline for their care exists. To support the development of such a guideline, we sought the views of experts in the field.

Methods

A modified Delphi study was used. A total of 70 statements were presented, using an online platform, over three consensus-seeking rounds, to participants with experience in the hospital care of patients with acute vertebral fragility fractures from UK-based specialist societies. Participants rated the level of their agreement with each statement on a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was defined at 70% of respondents choosing either agree/strongly agree or disagree/strong disagree. Over the first two rounds, statements not reaching consensus were modified in subsequent rounds, and new statements proposed by participants and agreed by the research team could be added.

Results

There were 71 participants in the first round, 37 in the second round and 28 (most of whom were geriatricians) in the third round. Consensus was reached in 52 statements covering fracture diagnosis, second-line imaging, organisation of hospital care, pain management and falls and bone health assessment. Consensus was not achieved for whether vertebral fragility fractures should be managed in a specific clinical area.

Discussion

These findings provide the basis for the development of clinical guidelines and quality improvement initiatives. They also help to justify research into the merits of managing acute vertebral fragility fracture patients in a specific clinical area.
FunRes: resolving tissue-specific functional cell states based on a cell–cell communication network model
Authors: Jung Sascha , Singh Kartikeya , del Sol Antonio
Published: September 2020

The functional specialization of cell types arises during development and is shaped by cell–cell communication networks determining a distribution of functional cell states that are collectively important for tissue functioning. However, the identification of these tissue-specific functional cell states remains challenging. Although a plethora of computational approaches have been successful in detecting cell types and subtypes, they fail in resolving tissue-specific functional cell states. To address this issue, we present FunRes, a computational method designed for the identification of functional cell states. FunRes relies on scRNA-seq data of a tissue to initially reconstruct the functional cell–cell communication network, which is leveraged for partitioning each cell type into functional cell states. We applied FunRes to 177 cell types in 10 different tissues and demonstrated that the detected states correspond to known functional cell states of various cell types, which cannot be recapitulated by existing computational tools. Finally, we characterize emerging and vanishing functional cell states in aging and disease, and demonstrate their involvement in key tissue functions. Thus, we believe that FunRes will be of great utility in the characterization of the functional landscape of cell types and the identification of dysfunctional cell states in aging and disease.
Group B Streptococcal Disease in England (1998 – 2017): A Population-based Observational Study
Authors: Kadambari Seilesh , Trotter Caroline L , Heath Paul T , Goldacre Michael J , Pollard Andrew J , Goldacre Raphael
Published: September 2020

Background and Objectives

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of sepsis and meningitis in infants <90 days. In this study, the burden of GBS disease and mortality in young infants in England was assessed.

Methods

Using linked hospitalization records from every National Health Service (NHS) hospital from April 1, 1998 to March 31, 2017, we calculated annual GBS incidence in infants aged <90 days and, using regression models, compared their perinatal factors, rates of hospital-recorded disease outcomes, and all-cause infant mortality rates with those of the general infant population.

Results

15 429 infants aged <90 days had a hospital-recorded diagnosis of GBS, giving an average annual incidence of 1.28 per 1000 live births (95% CI 1.26–1.30) with no significant trend over time. GBS-attributable mortality declined significantly from 0.044 (95% CI .029–.065) per 1000 live births in 2001 to 0.014 (95% CI .010–.026) in 2017 (annual percentage change −6.6, 95% CI −9.1 to −4.0). Infants with GBS had higher relative rates of visual impairment (HR 7.0 95% CI 4.1–12.1), cerebral palsy (HR 9.3 95% CI 6.6–13.3), hydrocephalus (HR 17.3 95% CI 13.8–21.6), and necrotizing enterocolitis (HR 18.8 95% CI 16.7–21.2) compared with those without GBS.

Conclusions

Annual rates of GBS disease in infants have not changed over 19 years. The reduction in mortality is likely multifactorial and due to widespread implementation of antibiotics in at-risk mothers and babies, as well as advances in managing acutely unwell infants. New methods for prevention, such as maternal vaccination, must be prioritized.
Assessing the Burden of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Among Healthcare Workers in Mexico City: A Data-Driven Call to Action
Authors: Antonio-Villa Neftali Eduardo , Bello-Chavolla Omar Yaxmehen , Vargas-Vázquez Arsenio , Fermín-Martínez Carlos A , Márquez-Salinas Alejandro , Pisanty-Alatorre Julio , Bahena-López Jessica Paola
Published: September 2020

Background

Healthcare workers (HCWs) could be at increased occupational risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections due to increased exposure. Information regarding the burden of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in HCWs living in Mexico is scarce. Here, we aimed to explore the epidemiology, symptoms, and risk factors associated with adverse outcomes in HCWs in Mexico City.

Methods

We explored data collected by the National Epidemiological Surveillance System in Mexico City, in HCWs who underwent real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. We explored COVID-19 outcomes in HCWs and the performance of symptoms to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Results

As of 20 September 2020, 57 758 HCWs were tested for SARS-CoV-2 and 17 531 were confirmed (30.35%); 6610 were nurses (37.70%), 4910 physicians (28.0%), 267 dentists (1.52%), and 5744 laboratory personnel and other HCWs (32.76%). Overall, 2378 HCWs required hospitalization (4.12%), 2648 developed severe COVID-19 (4.58%), and 336 required mechanical-ventilatory support (.58%). Lethality was recorded in 472 (.82%) cases. We identified 635 asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections (3.62%). Compared with general population, HCWs had higher incidence, testing, asymptomatic cases, and mortality rates. No individual symptom offers adequate performance to detect SARS-CoV2. Older HCWs with chronic noncommunicable diseases and severe respiratory symptoms were associated with higher risk for adverse outcome; physicians were at higher risk compared with nurses and other HCWs.

Conclusions

We report a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCWs in Mexico City. Symptoms as a screening method are not efficient to discern those HCWs with a positive PCR-RT test. Particular attention should focus on HCWs with risk factors to prevent adverse outcomes.
Redox stratification within cryoconite granules influences the nitrogen cycle on glaciers
Authors: Segawa Takahiro , Takeuchi Nozomu , Mori Hiroshi , Rathnayake Rathnayake M L D , Li Zhongqin , Akiyoshi Ayumi , Satoh Hisashi , Ishii Satoshi
Published: September 2020

Cryoconite granules are naturally occurring microbial structures on glacier surfaces worldwide. They play a key role in carbon and nitrogen cycling in glacier ecosystems and can accelerate the melting of snow and ice. However, detailed mechanism of nitrogen cycling in cryoconite granules remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that redox stratification affects the spatial distribution of N cycling processes in cryoconite granules. Based on microsensor measurements for O2, NH4+, NO2– and NO3–, we identified the presence of fine-scale redox stratification within cryoconite granules. Cyanobacteria at the surface layer of the granules created oxic conditions, whereas the inner core of the granules was anoxic. Metatranscriptomic analyses indicated the active occurrences of nitrification in the inner core, whereas denitrification actively occurred both in the inner core and the surface layer of the granules. Cyanobacteria in the inner core of the granules were inactive, and likely dead and being degraded, providing carbon and nitrogen to support nitrifiers and denitrifiers. Quantities of nitrification genes/transcripts were greater in large cryoconite granules than small ones, most likely because nitrogen substrates were more abundantly present in the inner core of large granules due to distinct redox stratification. Our results suggest that the development of a granular structure of cryoconite granules can largely affect carbon and nitrogen cycling on glaciers.
Elder Mediation Services Among Diverse Older Adult Communities in Australia: Practitioner Perspectives on Accessibility
Authors: Herro Annie , Lee Ka Yee , Withall Adrienne , Peisah Carmelle , Chappell Louise , Sinclair Craig
Published: September 2020

Background and Objectives

Elder abuse is a complex problem, and barriers to reporting and help-seeking include shame and fear of loss of relationships with key family members. Elder mediation has been identified as one promising method of alternative dispute resolution. This study aimed to investigate the accessibility of elder mediation services among diverse groups of older adults, from the perspective of practitioners in a large Australian jurisdiction.

Research Design and Methods

The study employed a sequential mixed-methods approach, comprising a thematic analysis of semistructured interviews (N = 17) and an online survey of practitioners (N = 49) involved in referral to, or provision of, elder mediation services. Accessibility was conceptualized using existing theoretical frameworks, spanning practical (logistics-related), and normative (justice- and culture-related) dimensions.

Results

Factors limiting accessibility of elder mediation services included lack of community and practitioner awareness of elder abuse and elder mediation, discomfort with the mediation process, financial costs, lack of services in regional and remote areas, and complex service systems for older people. Within the mediation process, difficulties in assessing and accommodating cognitive and other impairments, managing power imbalances, and determining the appropriateness of the dispute for mediation were influential.

Discussion and Implications

This study showed that mediation can be a promising and effective approach to resolving disputes involving older people. The emergent perceptive dimension (community and practitioner awareness) emphasizes the importance of awareness-raising efforts surrounding both elder abuse and the potential of mediation as a viable pathway, the training of elder-mediators as well as resourcing elder mediation services, especially in rural and remote locations.
Hausdorff and Wasserstein metrics on graphs and other structured data
Authors: Patterson Evan
Published: September 2020

Optimal transport is widely used in pure and applied mathematics to find probabilistic solutions to hard combinatorial matching problems. We extend the Wasserstein metric and other elements of optimal transport from the matching of sets to the matching of graphs and other structured data. This structure-preserving form of optimal transport relaxes the usual notion of homomorphism between structures. It applies to graphs—directed and undirected, labeled and unlabeled—and to any other structure that can be realized as a $\textsf{C}$-set for some finitely presented category $\textsf{C}$. We construct both Hausdorff-style and Wasserstein-style metrics on $\textsf{C}$-sets, and we show that the latter are convex relaxations of the former. Like the classical Wasserstein metric, the Wasserstein metric on $\textsf{C}$-sets is the value of a linear program and is therefore efficiently computable.