bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social cognition and social functioning in people with borderline personality disorder and their first-degree relatives
Authors: Ortega-Díaz Esther , García-Campos Jonatan , Rico-Gomis José María , Cuesta-Moreno Carlos , Palazón-Bru Antonio , Estañ-Cerezo Gabriel , Piqueras-Rodríguez José Antonio , Rodríguez-Marín Jesús
Published: October 2020

Background

A few papers studying healthy, first-degree relatives of people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) have found that this group presents attention and memory problems. However, current research has not analyzed their social cognition.

Materials and Methods

We designed an age-, gender- and education-level matched case-control study involving 57 people with BPD, 32 of their first-degree relatives, and 57 healthy controls in Spain in 2018–2019. All were assessed for social cognition and functioning using the Movie for Assessment of Social Cognition and the Social Functioning Scale; other potential confounders were also collected (marital status, occupation and household variables).

Results

There were differences in the social cognition domain of overmentalizing errors, with the BPD group scoring significantly higher than controls; however, there was no significant difference with relatives; in the social functioning domain of family relationships, with the controls showing the highest scores. Social engagement/withdrawal, interpersonal behavior, independence-competence, prosocial activities, full scale and categorization domains showed the same pattern: the BPD group had lower scores than their relatives and the controls. Relatives were significantly different from BPD patients in family relationships, social engagement/withdrawal and interpersonal behavior, as well as on the full Social Functioning Scale (both as a linear and categorical variable). However, only controls showed differences with relatives in family relationships.

Conclusions

All in all, relatives show similar levels of social cognition and functioning compared with controls, and people with BPD show some alterations in different domains of both social cognition and functioning.
On local scouring downstream small water structures
Authors: Kiraga Marta , Popek Zbigniew
Published: October 2020

Background

In order to regulate water flow, hydraulic structures such as weirs or checks, frequently equipped with gates, are used. Water can flow below or over the gate or, simultaneously, over and below the gate. Both diversifications of hydraulic gradient, being an effect of damming up a river by the structure and shear stresses at the bed, which exceeds the critical shear stress value, invoke the local scouring downstream the structure. This phenomenon has been studied in laboratory and field conditions for many years, however Researchers do not agree on the parameters that affect the size of the local scour and the intensity of its formation. There are no universal methods for estimating its magnitude However, solutions are sought in the form of calculation formulas typical for the method of flow through the structure, taking into account the parameters that characterize a given structure. These formulas are based on factors that affect the size of the local scours, that is, their dimensions and location. Examples of such formulas are those contained in this article: Franke (1960), Straube (1963), Tarajmovič (1966), Rossinski & Kuzmin (1969) equations. The need to study this phenomenon results from the prevalence of hydrotechnical structures equipped with gates (from small gated checks to large weirs) and from potential damage that may be associated with excessive development of local erosion downstream, including washing of foundations and, consequently, loss of stability of the structure.

Methods

This study verifies empirical formulas applied to estimate the geometry parameters of a scour hole on a laboratory model of a structure where water is conducted downstream the gate with bottom reinforcements of various roughness. A specially designed remote-controlled measuring device, equipped with laser scanner, was applied to determine the shape of the sandy bottom. Then the formula optimization is conducted, using Monte Carlo sampling method, followed by verification of field conditions.

Results

The suitability of a specially designed device, equipped with laser scanner for measuring the bottom shape in laboratory conditions was demonstrated. Simple formula describing local scour geometry in laboratory conditions was derived basing on the Straube formula. The optimized formula was verified in field conditions giving very good comparative results. Therefore, it can be applied in engineering and designing practices.
Unsystematic Risk Factors and Mortgage Non- Performing Loans in Kenya: Evidence from Commercial Banks
Authors: Koskei Loice
Published: October 2020

Commercial banks face severe challenges relating to their processes due to variations in the financial system. Identifying methods for reducing mortgage defaults and reducing the level of nonperforming loans is very important. Mortgage defaults occur because of complex factors. The amounts of mortgage non-performing loans depend on unsystematic risk factors which have an effect on mortgage loans of commercial banks. The stronger the effect of such factors, the less useful is diversification across a large number of borrowers and the stronger are the fluctuations in portfolio losses over time. The study looked at unsystematic factors and mortgage non-performing loans in Kenya’s commercial banks. Annual panel secondary data spanning from 2014 to 2019 was obtained from the Central bank of Kenya, Banking Supervision report and Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. The six year period was chosen because of availability of Mortgage secondary data. A panel fixed effects regression model was employed to address the objective of this study. The fixed effects panel regression model results indicated that capital asset ratio and lending rate had negative and statistically insignificant effect on Mortgage non-performing. Loans to deposit ratio and bank size results indicated a positive and statistically significant effect on mortgage non-performing loans implying that loans to deposit ratio and bank size affects mortgage non-performing loans in Kenya’s commercial banks. ROA results indicated a negative but statistically significant effect on mortgage non-performing loans. The study recommended enactment of internal policies by banks in regard to unsystematic factors in order to minimize the surge in mortgage non-performing loans especially in Kenya.
Economic Effects of Malaria Infection on Farmers’ Income in Kogi Eastern Agricultural Zones
Authors: Oyibo F. O. , Audu S. I. , Ajibade Y. E. , Odiba A. J.
Published: October 2020

The study assessed the effect of malaria infection on farm households in the eastern Agricultural zones of Kogi State. Specifically, the study described the socioeconomic characteristics of the farmers, determined the relationship between farmer’s output and malaria factors and compared the output valued in naira of the infected and non-infected farmers in the area. Using proportionate and random sampling techniques, 120 infected and 120 non-infected farmers were selected for the study. Structured questionnaire was used to collect the required information. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive, Ordinary Least Square (OLS) and z-test statistics. Result from the study showed that 69.9% of the respondents were male with an average age of 40 years, married with a mean household size of 7 persons. Farmers in the area had a mean farming experience of 18 years and operated on an average farm size of 1.6 hectares. The mean output valued in naira was N53, 334 and N66, 250 for the infected and non-infected farmers, respectively. Result of the OLS analysis showed that age (β=0.176), household size (β=0.463), transport cost (β=-0.236), days of incapacitation (β=-0.455), and treatment cost (β=-0.126), showed significant relationship with the value of farmer’s output at 1%, 1%, 1%, 1% and 5% levels of risk respectively. In addition, z-test statistics indicated a significant difference (N12, 916) at 5% level of risk between the output of the infected and non-infected farmers. Hence, the study showed that malaria affected farmers and their families because of loss of man days and the expenditure that it inflicted on them which resulted in a substantial output loss in last cropping season. The study recommends establishment of hospital and clinics in many settlements to reduce the distance travelled for medication, treatment subsidy and free drugs should be made available for poor people in the society.
Alternative Financing for Micro-Level Entrepreneur in Sub-Sahara Africa: A Crowd Funding Option
Authors: Ojiagu Nkechi , Onwuchekwa Faith , Nzewi Hope
Published: October 2020

An inherent problem that entrepreneurs face at the early stage of their entrepreneurial initiative is to source capital. Given the difficulties in raising the needed funds to actualize their ideas through traditional fund lenders such as banks, this paper provided a background on crowd funding as an alternative financing source for micro-entrepreneurship in Sub-Sahara Africa. Literature was reviewed on micro-level enterprises and micro-entrepreneur, describing the concept of crowd funding and models. This paper adopted the equity-based crowd funding model for Sub-Sahara African micro-entrepreneurs because of its potential benefits over other models. It recommended amongst others that development workers, policymakers and aid organizations need to make considerable efforts to bridge the knowledge gap of micro-entrepreneurs in the subcontinent on crowd funding by creating in-depth awareness considering the 0.1% Africa involvement in global crowd funding activity.
Allelopathic Interactions of Parthenium hysterophorous with Kidney Bean, Phaseolus vulgaris
Authors: Tsingalia H. M. , Auma J. M.
Published: October 2020

Allelopathy, an important mechanism in invasive species stems from the lack of coevolved tolerance of indigenous species to novel chemicals released by the invader species. These chemicals are key to successful invasive of species of natural plant communities and ecosystems. This study analyzed the allelopathic effects of the invasive plant, Parthenium hysterophorous on the growth of kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). One hundred and fifty viable kidney bean seeds were washed in distilled water, and transferred in triplicates to pots with wet sterile sand. Ten grams of freshly collected Parthenium leaves and roots were weighed, grounded separately using a mortar and a pestle, mixed with 100 ml of distilled water in a beaker and left for 24 hours in a dark at a room temperature (250C). The aqueous extract filtrates were used in experimental treatments. While untreated (control) seeds germinated on day 4 seeds treated with leaf extract germinated on day 14 and day 9 for the root extract. Leaf extract inhibited germination and sprouting of new leaves more effectively than root extract. Leaves in control seeds appeared on day 1 after germination. In treated seeds, leaves appeared on the 4th day then stagnated until day 15 when more leaves sprouted. Root extract significantly depressed seed germination. The number of new leaves increased significantly in control seedlings compared to the treated ones. Combined root and leaf extracts highly significantly inhibited of seed germination and the number of new leaves. Additionally, combined treatment with root and leaf extracts significantly inhibited shoot growth, and the increase in leaf length and width. A comparison of the effectiveness of the root and leaf extracts showed that leaf extract was more effective in inhibiting shoot growth and leaf width than the root extract.
Suction Stress in Unsaturated Soils Considering Hydraulic Hysteresis
Authors: Jiménez J. Ramírez , Rangel J. M. Horta , Rea M. L. Pérez , González E. Rojas , Lara T. Lopez , Zaragoza J. B. Hernandez
Published: October 2020

Aims: To develop a flow-moisture model that allows determining the variation of suction over time, as well as the suction stresses, using the finite element method in a two-dimensional model of unsaturated soil through an analogy with a transient thermal problem.

Study Design: The variables used in this study were soil suction, hydraulic conductivity, diffusivity and degree of saturation which was represented as the  parameter of the Bishop’s effective stress equation.

Place and Duration of Study: Graduate Engineering Department, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, between November 2019 and August 2020.

Methodology: To establish the model, experimental Soil-Water Retention Curve was taken from Galaviz (2016). With this information, the curves of hydraulic conductivity and diffusivity were calculated with the methods of Fredlund et al. (2012) and Li (1996). In ANSYS 19.2, an analogous transient thermal analysis was run to determine suction changes over time in a 12 x 2.4 meters two-dimensional medium with an impermeable membrane at the center of its surface which was 4.8 meters long. Through these suction changes, the hydraulic hysteresis algorithm presented by Zhou et al. (2012) was used to calculate the respective degrees of saturation, which were considered as the  parameter to obtain the suction stresses.

Results: The changes in soil suction, degree of saturation and suction stress were properly modeled.

Conclusion: When considering the hydraulic hysteresis cycles, both spatial and temporal variations behaved in a similar way in the  parameters as well as in the suction stresses. Such stresses depended on the analysis period, increasing in the dry season, according to the precipitation-evapotranspiration model, and decreasing in the wetting season. A time lag was observed between the maximum and minimum stresses as greater depths were studied. Along the horizontal axis, considering the same depth, the stresses varied more in the areas adjacent to the impermeable membrane, while at the center this variation was practically null.
Influence of Poultry Manure on Growth and Fruit Yield of Selected Pepper Species and Their Qualities after Storage in Various Structures
Authors: Babatola L. A. , Uche C. J.
Published: October 2020

The production of pepper is low due to decrease in fertility of soil and inadequate storage structures. The study was aimed at evaluating the growth, yield and storage qualities of selected pepper varieties as influenced by poultry manure and storage structures in Ibadan, Nigeria. A field experiment was carried out at Department of Agronomy, University of Ibadan between November, 2017 and April, 2018 growing season. Two varieties of pepper (Capsicum annum and Capsicum frutescens) were used, with four treatments consisting of different rates of poultry manure. Controls of 0 g of poultry manure (T1), 12.5 g (T2), 25 g (T3) and 37.5 g (T4) were laid out in a complete randomised design and replicated four times. Storage experiment was carried out in the Department and at Nigeria Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ibadan in June, 2018. The storage experiment comprised of four treatments with ambient condition (open shelf), wet basket, Evaporative Coolant Structure (ECS/Pot-in-pot), and plastic crates used as storage structures, laid out in a completely randomised design and replicated three times. The physical parameters obtained in days in storage (DIS) included weight loss (%), firmness, freshness, among others. Data observed were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means separated using least significant difference (LSD) at p>0.05. The result obtained showed that pepper growth was enhanced using Capsicum frutescens under 25 g poultry manure application rate which resulted to superior pepper yield. The combination of pot-in-pot with sawdust as storage structures enhanced the storage qualities of pepper fruits within the two weeks of storage. Although, the different manure treatments had no significant effect on the postharvest quality of pepper, the ECS can be effectively used in the storage of pepper fruits in order to improve postharvest quality, extend shelf life and enhance affordability of the commodity at all seasons.
Morphological Characterization and Evaluation of Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L) Wilczek) Genotypes in Western Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Kindeya Yirga Belay , Girmay Dargie , Atsbiha Alem , Abadi Asefa , Abadi Asefa , Negash Weres , Gebregergies Gebremedhin , Gebremedhn Zerabruk
Published: October 2020

The experiment was conducted to characterize and evaluate mung bean accessions, to identify diseases, shattering, lodging resistant and suitable for combine harvesting. The accessions sown in a plot area of 2.1 m by 5 m with 1 m, 1.5m between plots and blocks keeping inter and intra row spacing of 40 cm and 10 cm, respectively. 73 entries along with two checks summing up 75 genotypes evaluated at field condition for their yield and yield components characters during 2019 main cropping season using augmented RCBD design without replication. R-software were used to analyze different characters including the descriptive statistics and SPSS20 used to analyze clustering. Mean of different traits days to maturity (76.46±11.21,), shattering(0.93±0.14), lodging (2.71±2.03), root length(21.±5.54), root volume(201.05±43.76), pods/plant (16.81±6.38), nodule number( 16.22±1.96), Seed yield(10.64±4.01), seeds/pod (11.77±2.80) and 100sw(3.26±0.97) was recoded. The accessions recorded different range of parameters; nodule number (0 to71.75), root length (8 cm to 34.5), shattering (0 to 100), lodging (0% to 1-10%), number of seeds/pod (7 to 23), hundred seed weight (1.8 to 3.26 gram), root volume (4.71 to 230.46 CM) respectively this big variation among accessions of different traits helps to promote breeding programme in mung bean. The seed yield of genotypes ranged from ZURD01(3.88) to ILRI6831(19.79) qtha-1. Days to maturity was ranged from 61(ARKEBE) to 103(MEND01) after emergence. Three maturity groups; early (61 to 69days), medium (71 to 79 days) and late maturing (81 to 103days). Mean yield performance; cluster one had the highest mean yield (16.31qtha-1) followed by cluster two (12.43 qtha-1), cluster three (9.8), cluster four (6.65 qtha-1) and cluster five (1.21 qtha-1) respectively. The genotypes grouped in to three clusters based on their maturity and cluster one had the highest mean maturity days (91.74) followed by cluster two (75.97) and cluster three (66.37) respectively. The early, medium and late maturing genotypes recommended for moisture stress (350-500mm), optimum (600-800 mm) and high rain fall (900-2000 mm) areas respectively according to annual rain fall of the agro ecologies. Genotypes with high nodule number, high yielding, diseases resistance, better root length, shattering and lodging resistance will be important for variety development for mechanization, commercial production and further breeding programme.
Performance of Lettuce Cultivars under Different Production Environments
Authors: Carvalho Pedro Henrique Máximo de Souza , Oliveira Gertrudes Macário de , Rocha Ruy de Carvalho , Pereira Josineide Ednalva , Carvalho Tatiane dos Santos , Pereira Ana Lívia Lopes de Vasconcelos
Published: October 2020

Lettuce is a crop with high commercial and social importance, reaching from the macro to the Brazilian micro producer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance of Elba and Rouge lettuce cultivars in terms of development and production, under different environments, for the edaphoclimatic conditions of Juazeiro, Bahia. The experimental design adopted was completely randomized, in a split plot scheme, with two production environments (shaded environment and full sun) in the plots, and two lettuce cultivars (Crespa, CV. 1 Elba and Roxa, CV. 2 Rouge) in the subplots. The variables analyzed were: plant height, plant diameter, average fresh weight, average dry weight, total productivity and water use efficiency. The cultivation system in a protected environment showed better development and high productivity for the two lettuce cultivars, when compared to the system in full sun. Cultivar 1 showed superior performance to cultivar 2, in all variables analyzed, in both cultivation systems.
A twist in the ABC: regulation of ABC transporter trafficking and transport by FK506‐binding proteins
Authors: Geisler Markus , Hegedűs Tamás
Published: October 2020

Post‐transcriptional regulation of ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) proteins has been so far shown to encompass protein phosphorylation, maturation, and ubiquitination. Yet, recent accumulating evidence implicates FK506‐binding proteins (FKBPs), a type of peptidylprolyl cis–trans isomerase (PPIase) proteins, in ABC transporter regulation. In this perspective article, we summarize current knowledge on ABC transporter regulation by FKBPs, which seems to be conserved over kingdoms and ABC subfamilies. We uncover striking functional similarities but also differences between regulatory FKBP‐ABC modules in plants and mammals. We dissect a PPIase‐ and HSP90‐dependent and independent impact of FKBPs on ABC biogenesis and transport activity. We propose and discuss a putative new mode of transient ABC transporter regulation by cis–trans isomerization of X‐prolyl bonds.
Habitual sleep disturbances and migraine: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Daghlas Iyas , Vgontzas Angeliki , Guo Yanjun , Chasman Daniel I. ,   International Headache Genetics Consortium, Saxena Richa
Published: October 2020

Objective

Sleep disturbances are associated with increased risk of migraine, however the extent of shared underlying biology and the direction of causal relationships between these traits is unclear. Delineating causality between sleep patterns and migraine may offer new pathophysiologic insights and inform subsequent intervention studies. Here, we used genetic approaches to test for shared genetic influences between sleep patterns and migraine, and to test whether habitual sleep patterns may be causal risk factors for migraine and vice versa.

Methods

To quantify genetic overlap, we performed genome‐wide genetic correlation analyses using genome‐wide association studies of nine sleep traits in the UK Biobank (n ≥ 237,627), and migraine from the International Headache Genetics Consortium (59,674 cases and 316,078 controls). We then tested for potential causal effects between sleep traits and migraine using bidirectional, two‐sample Mendelian randomization.

Results

Seven sleep traits demonstrated genetic overlap with migraine, including insomnia symptoms (rg = 0.29, P < 10−31) and difficulty awakening (rg = 0.11, P < 10−4). Mendelian randomization analyses provided evidence for potential causal effects of difficulty awakening on risk of migraine (OR [95% CI] = 1.37 [1.12–1.68], P = 0.002), and nominal evidence that liability to insomnia symptoms increased the risk of migraine (1.09 [1.02–1.16], P = 0.02). In contrast, there was minimal evidence for an effect of migraine liability on sleep patterns or disturbances.

Interpretation

These data support a shared genetic basis between several sleep traits and migraine, and support potential causal effects of difficulty awakening and insomnia symptoms on migraine risk. Treatment of sleep disturbances may therefore be a promising clinical intervention in the management of migraine.
Effects of Oxygen and Glucose on Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Culture
Authors: Lau Fiona , Dalisson Benjamin , Zhang Yu Ling , Zhao Jing , Eliopoulos Nicoletta , Barralet Jake E.
Published: October 2020

This study determines whether the viability of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) in vitro is most sensitive to oxygen supply, energetic substrate supply, or accumulation of lactate. Mouse unmodified (wild type (WT)) and erythropoietin (EPO) gene‐modified MSC is cultured for 7 days in normoxic (21%) and anoxic conditions. WT‐MSC is cultured in anoxia for 45 days in high and regular glucose media and both have similar viability when compared to their normoxic controls at 7 days. Protein production of EPO‐MSC is unaffected by the absence of oxygen. MSC doubling time and post‐anoxic exposure is increased (WT: 32.3–73.3 h; EPO: 27.2–115 h). High glucose leads to a 37% increase in cell viability at 13 days and 17% at 30 days, indicating that MSC anoxic survival is affected by supply of metabolic substrate. However, after 30 days, little difference in viability is found, and at 45 days, complete cell death occurs in both the conditions. This death cannot be attributed to lack of glucose or lactate levels. MSC stemness is retained for both osteogenic and adipogenic differentiations. The absence of oxygen increases the doubling time of MSC but does not affect their viability, protein production, or differentiation capacity.
Effective Strategies for Droplet Transport on Solid Surfaces
Authors: Lin Shiji , Li Bin , Xu Yi , Mehrizi Abbasali Abouei , Chen Longquan
Published: October 2020

Droplet manipulation on solid surfaces is a key technique involved in a variety of applications ranging from self‐cleaning coatings to micro total analysis systems, and thus has been extensively investigated over the recent years. Here, an attempt is made to provide an overview of the latest developed strategies for controlling droplet dynamics, which include droplet motion mediated by surface wettability gradient or external actuation sources, and liquid transport at high‐temperature surfaces or high‐energy surfaces. More specifically, the working mechanism of diverse strategies is introduced, and their advantages and disadvantages are compared, based on which, an outlook of the future development of their applications is provided.
The Potential of Combining Thermal Scanning Probes and Phase‐Change Materials for Tunable Metasurfaces
Authors: Michel Ann‐Katrin U. , Meyer Sebastian , Essing Nicolas , Lassaline Nolan , Lightner Carin R. , Bisig Samuel , Norris David J. , Chigrin Dmitry N.
Published: October 2020

Metasurfaces allow for the spatiotemporal variation of amplitude, phase, and polarization of optical wavefronts. Implementation of active tunability of metasurfaces promises compact flat optics capable of reconfigurable wavefront shaping. Phase‐change materials (PCMs) are a prominent material class enabling reconfigurable metasurfaces due to their large refractive index change upon structural transition. However, commonly employed laser‐induced switching of PCMs limits the achievable feature sizes and restricts device miniaturization. Thermal scanning‐probe‐induced local switching of the PCM germanium telluride is proposed to realize near‐infrared metasurfaces with feature sizes far below what is achievable with diffraction‐limited optical switching. The design is based on a planar multilayer and does not require fabrication of protruding resonators as commonly applied in the literature. Instead, it is numerically demonstrated that a broad‐band tuning of perfect absorption can be realized by the localized tip‐induced crystallization of the PCM. The spectral response of the metasurface is explained using resonance mode analysis and numerical simulations. To facilitate experimental realization, a theoretical description of the tip‐induced crystallization employing multiphysics simulations is provided to demonstrate the great potential for fabricating compact reconfigurable metasurfaces. The concept can be applied not only for plasmonic sensing and spatial frequency filtering, but also be transferred to all‐dielectric metasurfaces.
Inverse Pneumatic Artificial Muscles for Application in Low‐Cost Ventilators
Authors: Mirvakili Seyed M. , Sim Douglas , Langer Robert
Published: October 2020

The procurement and maintenance cost of high‐end ventilators preclude their stockpiles sufficient for the mass emergency situations. Therefore, there is a significant demand for mechanical ventilators in such situations. Herein, a low‐cost, portable, yet high‐performance design for a volume‐controlled mechanical ventilator is proposed. Pneumatic artificial muscles, such as air cylinders, are used in the inverse mode of operation to achieve mechanical ventilation. With the current design, the two fundamental modes of operation (controlled mode and assisted mode) are demonstrated. Unlike most intensive care unit ventilators, the proposed device does not need a high‐pressure air pipeline to operate. The device is capable of mechanical ventilation for respiration rate ranging from 10 to 30 b min−1 with a tidal volume (VT) range of 150–1000 mL and the I:E ratio of 1:1–1:5. A total cost of less than $400 USD is achieved to make one device. The cost to produce the device in larger volumes can be estimated to be less than $250 USD.
Psychological and Structural Barriers to Immigrant Community Participation: The Experience of Peruvians in Santiago de Chile
Authors: Martinez Damia S. , Marzana D. , Alfieri S. , Pozzi M. , Marta E. , Martinez M.L.
Published: October 2020

Community participation can be considered a pillar for the promotion of social justice and well‐being for immigrants in new countries. Participation may be influenced by different forms of oppression which decrease opportunities for immigrants to be engaged. The present study explores the difficulties that Peruvian immigrants encountered and still encountering to participate in Santiago de Chile through in‐depth qualitative interviews. Eighteen semi‐structured interviews were conducted with Peruvian leaders of Ethnic Community Based Organizations (ECBOs) in Santiago de Chile. Interviews focused on the community engagement of Peruvians highlighting the difficulties they encountered when deciding whether to engage and throughout the process of carrying out their commitment, along with their perceptions when trying to engage their compatriots. The present study contributes to the literature in three aspects. First, it focused on the phenomenon of South–South migration. Secondly, it delved into the psychological and structural barriers that immigrants’ experience, considering their disadvantaged conditions. Thirdly, it used Situational Analysis, along with the constructionist drift of Grounded Theory, which is widely used in critical, qualitative research, and is sensitive to producing situated knowledge. Coding and mapping analysis identified experiences related to historical trauma, transnational bonds, and dominant master narratives in both countries as well as challenges due to balancing time and priorities, surviving institutional deterrents, and inter‐organizations competitiveness. Finally, transnational commitments, mechanisms of social disconnection, and under valuated rights that Peruvians may live in Chile were pointed out. These results intend to have practical implications for immigrants and for community psychologists.
Chemical Amination/Imination of Carbonothiolated Nucleosides During RNA Hydrolysis
Authors: Jora Manasses , Borland Kayla , Abernathy Scott , Zhao Ruoxia , Kelley Melissa , Kellner Stefanie , Addepalli Balasubrahmanyam , Limbach Patrick A.
Published: October 2020

Liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) has become the gold‐standard technique to study RNA and its various modifications. While most research on RNA nucleosides has been focused on their biological roles, discovery of new modifications remains of interest. With state‐of‐the‐art technology, the presence of artifacts can confound the identification of new modifications. Here, we report the characterization of a non‐natural mcm5isoC ribonucleoside in S. cerevisiae total tRNA hydrolysate by higher‐energy collisional dissociation (HCD)‐based fingerprints and isotope labeling of RNA. Its discovery revealed a class of amino/imino ribonucleoside artifacts that are generated during RNA hydrolysis under ammonium‐buffered mild basic conditions. We then identified digestion conditions that can reduce or eliminate their formation. These finding and method enhancements will improve the accurate detection of new RNA modifications.
Stereospecific Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization of Norbornene Catalyzed by Iron Complexes
Authors: Belov Dmitry S. , Mathivathanan Logesh , Beazley Melanie J. , Martin William Blake , Bukhryakov Konstantin V.
Published: October 2020

Developing well‐defined iron‐based catalysts for olefin metathesis would be a breakthrough achievement in the field not only to replace existing catalysts by inexpensive metals but also to attain a new reactivity taking advantage of the unique electronic structure of the base metals. Here, we present a two‐coordinate homoleptic iron complex, Fe(HMTO)2 [HMTO=O‐2,6‐(2,4,6‐Me3C6H2)2C6H3], that is capable of performing ring‐opening metathesis polymerization of norbornene to produce highly stereoregular polynorbornene (99 % cis, syndiotactic). The use of heteroleptic Fe(HMTO)(RO) [RO=(CH3)2CF3CO, CH3(CF3)2CO, or Ph(CF3)2CO] prepared in situ significantly increases the polymerization rate while preserving selectivity. The resulting polymers were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and gel‐permeation chromatography.
Reversibly Photo‐Modulating Mechanical Stiffness and Toughness of Bioengineered Protein Fibers
Authors: Sun Jing , Ma Chao , Maity Sourav , Wang Fan , Zhou Yu , Portale Giuseppe , Göstl Robert , Roos Wouter H. , Zhang Hongjie , Liu Kai , Herrmann Andreas
Published: October 2020

Light‐responsive materials have been extensively studied due to the attractive possibility of manipulating their properties with high spatiotemporal control in a non‐invasive fashion. This stimulated the development of a series of photo‐deformable smart devices. However, it remained a challenge to reversibly modulate the stiffness and toughness of bulk materials. Here, we present bioengineered protein fibers and their optomechanical manipulation by employing electrostatic interactions between supercharged polypeptides (SUPs) and an azobenzene (Azo)‐based surfactant. Photo‐isomerization of the Azo moiety from the E‐ to Z‐form reversibly triggered the modulation of tensile strength, stiffness, and toughness of the bulk protein fiber. Specifically, the photo‐induced rearrangement into the Z‐form of Azo possibly strengthened cation–π interactions within the fiber material, resulting in an around twofold increase in the fiber's mechanical performance. The outstanding mechanical and responsive properties open a path towards the development of SUP‐Azo fibers as smart stimuli‐responsive mechano‐biomaterials.
Octakis(phenyl)‐T8‐silsesquioxane‐filled silicone elastomers with enhanced electromechanical capability
Authors: Dascalu Mihaela , Iacob Mihail , Tugui Codrin , Bele Adrian , Stiubianu George‐Theodor , Racles Carmen , Cazacu Maria
Published: October 2020

The first dielectric elastomer actuators based on electroactive nanocomposites with octakis(phenyl)‐T8‐silsesquioxane (phenyl‐T8), obtained ex‐situ, used as voltage stabilizer filler for silicone elastomers are reported. The incorporation and homogeneous dispersion of crystalline phenyl‐T8 in percentages of 2.5, 3.5, 5, and 10 into the amorphous matrix consisting in a polydimethylsiloxane‐α,ω‐diol with Mn = 240,000 g/mol was successfully achieved by solution mixing and crosslinking. For the sample with the best actuation performance (that containing 3.5 wt.% filler), an optimized filled elastomer was obtained by dispersing 3.6 wt. % phenyl‐T8 in the matrix using a suitable surfactant (Pluronic L81), thus gaining an increased electrical breakdown of 30% compared with the pristine sample. Beside dielectric strength, the matured films were characterized in terms of morphology, mechanical, dielectric and actuation tests. In spite of structural incompatibility between the filler and the matrix, the obtained materials are soft elastomers showing high strain (~800%) and low Young's modulus of 50–100 kPa. The use of phenyl‐T8 in a silicone matrix lead to electroactive films with slightly increased lateral actuation strain and electric breakdown strength.
Development of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles reinforced chlorinated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/chlorinated ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber blends
Authors: Nihmath Alasseri , Ramesan Manammel Thankappan
Published: October 2020

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA) reinforced polymer blend based on chlorinated nitrile rubber (Cl‐NBR) and chlorinated ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (Cl‐EPDM) were prepared. Resulting blend composites were analyzed with regard to their rheometric processing, crystallinity, glass transition temperature (Tg), mechanical properties, oil resistance, AC conductivity, and transport behavior. The decrease in optimum cure time with the addition of HA is more advantageous for the development of products from these blend nanocomposites. The XRD, FTIR, and SEM confirmed the attachment and uniform dispersion of HA nanoparticles in the Cl‐NBR/Cl‐EPDM blend. The good compatibility between polymer blend and nanoparticles was also deduced by the formation of spherically shaped HA particles in the blend matrix determined by TEM analysis. DSC analysis showed an increase in Tg of the blend with the filler loading. The addition of HA particles to the blend produced a remarkable increase in tensile and tear strength, hardness, AC conductivity, abrasion, and oil resistance. The diffusion of blend composites was decreased with an increase in penetrant size. The diffusion mechanism was found to follow an anomalous trend. Among the blend composites, the sample with 7 phr of HA not only showed good oil and solvent resistance but also a remarkable increase in AC conductivity and mechanical properties.
Lightweight investigation of long chain branching polypropylene/cellulose nanofiber composite foams
Authors: Nobe Rie , Qiu Jianhui , Kudo Makoto , Zhang Guohong
Published: October 2020

Long chain branching polypropylene (LCBPP)/cellulose nanofiber (CNF) composite foams were prepared by short shot foam injection molding method and their morphological, mechanical, and thermal properties were also investigated. The cellular structure of LCBPP/CNF composite foams was improved with weight reduction (WR) ratios increasing. The cell densities of LCBPP/CNF composite foams were dramatically increasing with WR ratios rising. More, the fine and uniform cellular structures were obtained due to the incorporation of CNF. The highest cell density, specific flexural strength, and modulus could achieved 20 × 103 cell/cm2, 65 MPa/(g/cm3) and 2.7 GPa/(g/cm3), respectively. Furthermore, the specific Charpy impact strengths were also higher than the ones of solid samples. At last, the thermal insulation properties were discussed accordingly.
Enhancing gas barrier performance of polylactic acid/lignin composite films through cooperative effect of compatibilization and nucleation
Authors: Wang Ningning , Zhang Caili , Weng Yunxuan
Published: October 2020

In this work, lignin was used as a heterogeneous nucleating agent to increase polylactic acid (PLA) crystallinity. To enhance the gas barrier performance of PLA/LG composite films, two graft copolymers, polylactide‐graft‐glycidyl methacrylate (PLA‐g‐GMA) and polylactide‐graft‐poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PLA‐g‐PEGMA) were successfully synthesized and separately used as compatibilizers to modify PLA/LG composite properties such as interfacial adhesion, crystallinity, and mechanical properties. Since crystallites can act as obstacles to gas diffusion, the higher the crystallinity of the polymer matrix, the better gas barrier performance of the composite film will be. The crystallinity and crystalline structure of the PLA matrix was demonstrated by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry results. Since LG particles can act as efficient heterogeneous crystal nucleating agents, a roughly 50% reduction in oxygen permeability (PO2) was obtained by adding 1 phr LG to the PLA matrix (PLA/1LG). Following addition of 10 phr PLA‐g‐GMA to the PLA/LG composite, PLA/PLA‐g‐GMA/LG composite films showed lower gas barrier properties than PLA/LG composites without added compatibilizer. Moreover, the interfacial adhesion of PLA/LG composites was significantly improved after addition of PLA‐g‐GMA. Therefore, PLA/PLA‐g‐GMA/3LG showed the highest tensile strength, 33% higher than that of neat PLA. Following addition of 10 phr PLA‐g‐PEGMA to the PLA/LG composite, the long liner side chains of PLA‐g‐PEGMA were able to act as nucleating agents for PLA to promote the crystallization of PLA. Accordingly, PLA/PLA‐g‐PEGMA/3LG with 3 phr LG showed a roughly 86% reduction in PO2 when compared with neat PLA film.
Synthesis and characterization of dialdehyde cellulose/amino‐functionalizedMCM‐41 core‐shellmicrospheres as a new eco‐friendly flame‐retardant nanocomposite
Authors: Abboud Mohamed , Bondock Samir , El‐Zahhar Adel A. , Alghamdi Majed M. , Keshk Sherif M. A. S.
Published: October 2020

Using proper flame‐retardant materials when constructing buildings or fabricating devices is the most important fire safety guidelines. The halogen and phosphorus‐based compounds are among the most effective flame retardants. However, most of these compounds are recognized to have a harmful effect on human body and the environment during combustion. In this context, we designed and synthesized a new eco‐friendly flame‐retardant nanocomposite by combining dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) and amino‐functionalized mesoporous silica MCM‐41 (N‐M41). Spherical N‐M41 nanoparticles have been successfully prepared in one‐pot reaction using tetraethyl orthosilicate and (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES), and then coated with different amounts of DAC through Schiff base reaction between the carbonyl group of DAC and NH2of APTES. The resulted DAC@N‐M41 nanocomposite was characterized by XRD, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). TEM micrographs revealed that this nanocomposite was made up of core‐shell nanospheres structure with narrow size distribution (ca. 140 nm). DTA and TGA analysis revelated that the presence of silica within the nanocomposite can effectively increase the char yield, decrease the heat release, and improve the fire performance of the prepared nanocomposite. A mechanism of the reduction in flammability of this nanocomposite has been proposed.
Temperature tele‐connections between the tropical and polar middle atmosphere in the Southern Hemisphere during the 2010 minor sudden stratospheric warming
Authors: Eswaraiah Sunkara , Lee Changsup , Lee Wonseok , Kim Yong Ha , Kumar Kondapalli Niranjan , Medineni Venkat Ratnam
Published: October 2020

Southern Hemispheric (SH) sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) are relatively rare compared to their Northern Hemisphere counterparts. No study has so far investigated the impacts of the SH minor SSWs on the tropical atmosphere and connection between the tropical and polar atmospheres. Here, we analyze the MERRA‐2 and ERA‐interim datasets, and Microwave Limb Sounder satellite temperature measurements to investigate the tropical and polar atmosphere tele‐connections during the SH minor SSW that occurred in 2010. Our analysis shows the strong anti‐correlation between the polar and tropical temperatures during the 2010 minor SSW in the stratosphere and mesosphere. This is the first observational study over the SH that reveals the tele‐connection between the tropical and polar middle atmospheres through the temperature during a minor SSW. We verified this tele‐connection, using simulations of the Ground‐to‐topside model of Atmosphere and Ionosphere for Aeronomy (GAIA) model during the 2010 minor SSW. GAIA model simulations show the temperature anti‐correlation between the tropical and polar middle atmosphere and zonal wind variations. The feature of meridional circulation changes was also observed during the SSW period. Hence, the present study strongly suggests that even minor SSW in the SH can affect the meridional circulation in the middle atmosphere via planetary wave activity.
A Critical Review on the Voltage Requirement in Hybrid Cells with Solar Energy Harvesting and Energy Storage Capability
Authors: Takshi Arash , Aljafari Belqasem , Kareri Tareq , Stefanakos Elias
Published: October 2020

Energy storage is essential in many electrical and electronic applications powered through solar cells. This has motivated many research groups around the world to design single hybrid cells with the capability of both energy harvesting and charge storage. Despite the general perception of being able to make more compact and lower‐cost solar panels with hybrid cells, as compared to conventional energy systems with separated panels and batteries, there are drawbacks in the series connection of hybrid cells in a panel form. These drawbacks are discussed in this review. The focus of the current manuscript is on the application of single hybrid cells in low‐voltage and low‐power electronics and wearable electronics. The voltage requirements in those applications are discussed and two‐terminal and three‐terminal hybrid cells are reviewed. Promising technologies are highlighted in the conclusions.
A novel method of cell culture based on the microfluidic chip for regulation of cell density
Authors: Zhang Fei , Zhang Rongbiao , Wei Mingji , Zhang Yecheng
Published: October 2020

The regulation of cell density is an important segment in microfluidic cell culture, particularly in the repeated assays. Traditionally, consistent cell density is difficult to achieve, owing to the inaccurate regulation of cell density with manual feedback. A novel cell culture method with automatic feedback is proposed for real‐time regulation of cell density based on microfluidic chip in this paper. Here, an integrated microfluidic system combining cell culture, density detection, and control of proliferation rate was developed. Interdigital electrode structures were sputtered on the microchannel automatically to provide the real‐time feedback information of impedance. The most sensitive frequency was studied to improve the detection resolution of the sensing chip. Cells were cultured on the chip surface and cell density was detected by monitoring the alternation of the impedance. The feedback controller was established by the least squares support vector machines. Then, the cell proliferation rate was automatically controlled using the feedback controller to achieve the desired cell density in the repeated assays. The results show that the standard error of this method is 2.8% indicating that the method can keep a consistency of cell density in the repeated assays. This study provides a basis for improving the accuracy and repeatability in the further assays of finding the optimal drug concentration.
Identification of cattle poisoning by Bifenthrin via earwax analysis by HS/GC–MS
Authors: Gonçalves Barbosa João Marcos , Machado Botelho Ana Flávia , Santana da Silva Rayanne Henrique , Ferreira de Almeida Sara Sueli , Ferreira Elci Rincon , Caetano David Lurian , Alves Fortuna Lima Danielly , Cavalcante e Silva Taynara , Jorge da Cunha Paulo Henrique , Roberto Antoniosi Filho Nelson
Published: October 2020

The use of pyrethroids has increased over recent years, and corresponds to a higher exposure of animals to pesticide residues in the environment and diet. Here, an outbreak of pyrethroid poisoning in beef cattle was reported occurring in Midwestern Brazil. After veterinary evaluation, it was observed that the bovines presented common pyrethroid intoxication symptoms. Aiming to identify the cattle poising by pyrethroid, earwax samples were collected from two groups: exposed and nonexposed animals from the same farm. Blind earwax analyses of the bovines were carried out using headspace/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS/GC–MS). The HS/GC–MS analysis detected the presence of bifenthrin in the earwax analysis of the exposed animals, confirmed by the comparison of its MS fragments with a bifenthrin standard, and also by its retention time relative to the internal standard. In summary, HS/GC–MS analysis of earwax emerges as a tool that can be used in the detection and monitoring of bifenthrin poisoning in cattle, as a useful veterinary diagnosis that ensures animal health and the safety of their products.