bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) authentication and batch‐to‐batch consistency for different types of paints using benchtop and handheld FTIR spectrophotometers for oil and gas industry
Authors: Salim Yoga Sugama , Rashid Norsyazlin Abd , Halim Suhaila Idayu Abdul , Chan Chin Han , Ong Chong Hup , Harun Mohamad Kamal
Published: June 2021

Standardization of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) fingerprint region for paints and assessment on the reproducibility using different spectrophotometers were investigated. While selective fingerprint regions may be confusing for technicians/analysts who are non‐chemists, we attempt to generalize these regions (e.g., 1300–1000 cm−1 for Epoxy part A and 1400–1000 cm−1 for Epoxy part B) by choosing a universal region (2000–900 cm−1) that works for different paints. Comparison result using a paired student t‐test shows that the degree of similarity (r) values from the studied regions are not statistically different. The paint fails the screening analysis occasionally on‐site when analyzed using handheld FTIR due to the higher level of noise that gives low r values (r < 0.900 ± 0.002). The same samples were analyzed using a benchtop FTIR and the r values are above 0.900 ± 0.002. While the screening may lead to a false rejection of the sample on‐site, there could be occurrence of false acceptance. The on‐site screening of EPZ part A with different formulations, for instance, shows that the r values over the entire IR spectrum are above 0.900 ± 0.002 when analyzed using handheld FTIR. After the samples were analyzed using the benchtop, the r values fall below 0.900 ± 0.002.
Doxorubicin hydrochloride‐loaded electrospun poly(l‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone)/gelatin core–shell nanofibers for controlled drug release
Authors: Wang Lei , Huang Yifan , Xin Binjie , Li Tingxiao
Published: June 2021

Electrospun core–shell nanofibers have aroused attention in drug delivery systems and tissue engineering because of the latent structures which can encapsulate various drugs and obtain tailored release profiles. Here, poly(l‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) (PLCL) with gelatin (GE) blends were employed to electrospin the shell of core–shell nanofibers which could act as a protection layer for the controlled released behavior of the model drug doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX). Core–shell nanofiber membranes with different drug loaded amounts were fabricated and the corresponding drug release behaviors were researched. The surface morphology of the obtained nanofibers was assessed by SEM and the structure of the core–shell nanofibers were observed by inverted fluorescence microscopy and TEM. The hydrophilicity was evaluated by water contact angle testing and the results indicated that the obtained fibers all possess good hydrophilicity. The mechanical properties of the fiber membranes were evaluated by tensile testing. Exploring the composition of the fiber membranes by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy proved that DOX existed in the drug‐loaded fiber membranes. In vitro release was evaluated by UV–visible spectroscopy and the accumulative release curves of DOX showed that increasing drug rates would lead to increasing cumulative release amounts but decreasing cumulative drug release rates. The results indicated that drugs encapsulated in PLCL/GE core–shell nanofiber material would be efficient and a potential material for drug delivery systems. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
ANN Model of Preparation of Energetic Materials by Spray Drying
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Yang Yue , Li Weiwei
Published: June 2021

Spray drying is an effective method to reduce shock sensitivity of energetic materials with the advantages of integrating atomization, drying, crystallization, and coating in one step. However, with the complex hydrodynamics and crystal growth process during spray drying, the development of theoretical models is very difficult. Therefore, five types of artificial neural network (ANN) models are proposed to accurately predict the mean particle size of energetic materials prepared by spray drying, such as Cascade‐forward back propagation neural network (CFBP), Elman‐forward back propagation neural network (EFBP), Feed‐forward back propagation neural network (FFBP), Generalized regression neural network (GR) and Radial basis neural network (RB). The model input parameters are the inlet temperature (T), the liquid flow rate (L), the gas flow rate (G), the mass fraction (w), the molecular weight (M), and the surface tension (δ). The output parameter is the mean particle sizes (dp). To further illuminate the superior performance of ANN model, the effects of temperature, liquid flow rate, gas flow rate, mass fraction, and surface tension on the mean particle size are conducted. The ANN model of mean particle size for the energetic materials prepared by spray drying could be much useful for further improving its property.
Resonant Cavity–Enhanced Photodiodes for Spectroscopy of CH Bonds
Authors: Bainbridge Andrew , Craig Adam P. , Al-Saymari Furat , Krier Anthony , Marshall Andrew R. J.
Published: June 2021

Resonant cavity‐enhanced photodiodes targeted within the spectral region of absorption by CH bonds are demonstrated. The – region of the infrared spectrum contains many substances that are useful to measure spectroscopically. However, the measurement of individual substances requires a high spectral specificity, that is achieved by the resonant cavity photodiodes with spectral response widths of . Two material systems are investigated for detection at this wavelength range—an InAs absorber on an InAs substrate and an InAsSb absorber lattice‐matched to a GaSb substrate. The resonance wavelength of the InAs‐based device responds at , closely tuned to an absorption peak of methane to allow precise sensing of this gas. At a quantum efficiency of is achieved, with a specific detectivity of . The InAsSb‐based device is sensitive at , but the structure could be tuned to the methane absorption peak. Devices could be simply created to target other substances in the C−H absorption region by altering the layer thicknesses in the structure. Both structures can be used for spectrally specific gas sensing in this region of the infrared.
Investigation of the Characteristic of Solution‐Processed Tetraphenyldibenzoperiflanthene (DBP) Film and Its Application on Organic Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Zheng Yanqiong , Chen Juncong , Li Weiguang , Tang Jie , Peng Junbiao , Zhang Jianhua , Li Xifeng
Published: June 2021

Solution‐processed tetraphenyldibenzoperiflanthene (DBP) films are prepared with three popular solvents, including chroloform (CF), chrolobenzene (CB), and dichrolobenzene (ODCB). The absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the DBP solution and DBP film are investigated. The absorption spectra between the DBP film and DBP solution are similar, whereas the PL spectrum shape of the DBP film and DBP solution is completely different, originating from the DBP molecular aggregation in the film, causing conjugate expansion, which results in dimer luminescence. The DBP donor layer at 32 nm prepared from solvent of CF, CB, and ODCB achieves a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.42%, 0.88%, and 0.48%, respectively. The annealing temperature and DBP thickness are optimized; the 32 nm‐thick active layer annealed at 50 °C achieves the highest performance. The CF‐DBP film represents an interpenetrating network morphology, slightly higher roughness and hole mobility, which may be the main contribution to the relatively higher photocurrent than the CB‐DBP and ODCB‐DBP devices. Herein, a simple guidance for preparing solution‐processed DBP films is provided and simultaneously its application on organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs) is expanded.
Spin State and Spin‐State Transition of Co3+ Ion in BiCoO3
Authors: Zhao Jianfa , Haw Shu-Chih , Wang Xiao , Hu Zhiwei , Kuo Chang-Yang , Chen Shin-An , Ishii Hirofumi , Hiraoka Nozumu , Lin Hong-Ji , Chen Chien-Te , Li Zhi , Tanaka Arata , Liu Cheng-En , Yu Runze , Chen Jin-Ming , Jin Changqing
Published: June 2021

Confusion has arisen about the Co spin‐state transition under high pressure for multiferroic BiCoO3. The crystal structure analysis indicates a high‐spin (HS) to low‐spin (LS) state transition with increasing pressure, while Co Kβ X‐ray emission spectra present a high‐spin to intermediate‐spin (IS) state transition. Herein, the spin state of Co3+ in BiCoO3 is investigated utilizing soft X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at the Co‐L2,3 and O‐K edges at room temperature under ambient pressure. Furthermore, the spin state transition of Co3+ under high pressure is investigated by Co Kβ X‐ray emission spectra. A pure HS‐Co3+ ground state is found in the BiCoO3 sample prepared from the precursor and oxidizer mixed method—and the existence of a small part of LS‐Co3+ in the BiCoO3 sample prepared from the precursor and oxidizer sandwiched method. A complete HS‐Co3+ to LS‐Co3+ transition is observed under high pressure up to 32.3 GPa. The results clarify the debate on the spin‐state transition of BiCoO3 under high pressure and will deepen our understanding of the intrinsic physical properties on it.
A Highly Efficient Iron(II) Catalyst for the Epoxidation of Olefins with m‐Chloroperoxybenzoic Acid
Authors: Wu Yan‐Yan , Meng Xiang‐Guang , Yu Wen‐Wang , Huang Hong , Chen Li‐Yu , Xu Ding‐Guo
Published: June 2021

An iron (II) complex with oxazoline and pyrrole functional groups was prepared and used to catalyze the epoxidation of alkenes by m‐chloroperoxybenzoic acid. The iron (II) complex exhibited good catalytic activity for the epoxidation of aromatic terminal alkenes and cyclic alkene in acetonitrile. The 99.7 % conversion of styrene with 91.2 % selectivity of styrene oxide was achieved after reaction 30 minutes at 25 °C. The auxiliary ligands, solvents and oxidants are sensitive to the epoxidation reaction. A possible catalytic mechanism for epoxidation of alkene was proposed.
Chemical Solution Deposition of Al(OH)3‐AlOOH Films: Application for Surface Sensitizing of Rigid and Flexible Substrates to Improve the Adhesion in Coating Technology Areas
Authors: Cota‐Leal Marcos , García‐Valenzuela Jorge A.
Published: June 2021

In this work, we present a simple and low cost formulation to obtain transparent Al(OH)3‐AlOOH thin films by chemical solution deposition at 60 °C. The deposited material was characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The adhesion of the obtained thin films to various rigid and flexible substrates, that include tin‐free glass, polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, cellulose acetate, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyimide, was tested. We also demonstrate here that a very thin film of Al(OH)3‐AlOOH can act as sensitizing layer for subsequent deposition of adherent and uniform CdS thin films on a variety of substrates; therefore, a modification of the reaction conditions by an increase in cadmium salt or a decrease in reaction temperature, which are factors that promote adhesion, is then not necessary. As a further result, a general formulation to deposit films of metal hydroxides/oxyhydroxides/oxides is presented. In addition, realistic assessments of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis on Al(OH)3, AlOOH, and Al2O3 compounds are presented for the first time.
Pathways towards Boosting Solar‐Driven Hydrogen Evolution of Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Liu Yaoyao , Li Bingjie , Xiang Zhonghua
Published: June 2021

Photocatalytic H2 evolution under solar illumination has been considered to be a promising technology for green energy resources. Developing highly efficient photocatalysts for photocatalytic water splitting is long‐term desired but still challenging. Conjugated polymers (CPs) have attracted ongoing attention and have been considered to be promising alternatives for solar‐driven H2 production due to the excellent merits of the large π‐conjugated system, versatile structures, tunable photoelectric properties, and well‐defined chemical composites. The excellent merits have offered numerous methods for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) of initial CP‐based photocatalysts, whose apparent quantum yield is dramatically increased from <1 to >20% in recent five years. According to the photocatalytic mechanism, this review herein systematically summarizes three major strategies for boosting photocatalytic H2 production of CPs: 1) enhancing visible light absorption, 2) suppressing recombination of electron‐hole pairs, and 3) boosting surface catalytic reaction, mainly involving eleven methods, that is, copolymerization, modifying cross‐linker, constructing a donor‐acceptor structure, functionalization, fabricating organic heterojunction, loading cocatalyst, and surface modification. Finally, the perspectives towards the future development of PHE are proposed.
Identification of the Charge Transfer Channel in Cobalt Encapsulated Hollow Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Matrix@CdS Heterostructure for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Li Xuli , Song Shaojia , Gao Yangqin , Ge Lei , Song Weiyu , Ma Tianyi , Liu Jian
Published: June 2021

Water splitting to H2 by photocatalysis remains an effective strategy to alleviate the energy crisis. Unfortunately, single‐component photocatalyst still suffers from sluggish reaction kinetics. In this work, a noble‐metal free photocatalytic system of nitrogen‐doped carbon@Co embedded in carbon nanotubes (NC@Co‐NCT)/cadmium sulfide (CdS) is fabricated by coupling CdS nanorods with the metal–organic framework‐derived Co encapsulated nitrogen‐doped carbon (NC) material. The optimal photocatalytic activity of NC@Co‐NCT/CdS is determined to be 3.8 mmol h−1 g−1, which is ≈5.8 times of CdS. By combining the experimental evidences and density functional theory calculations, a novel photoelectron transfer channel in the heterojunction interfaces is revealed, expediting the migration and separation of photo‐induced charge carriers of CdS. Moreover, the presence of Co nanoclusters can act as the active sites, boosting the H2 evolution reaction. This study can present a new avenue to design advanced photocatalysts with high‐efficiency electrons and holes separation.
Temperature‐Feedback Nanoplatform for NIR‐II Penta‐Modal Imaging‐Guided Synergistic Photothermal Therapy and CAR‐NK Immunotherapy of Lung Cancer
Authors: Xu Mengze , Xue Bin , Wang Yue , Wang Dan , Gao Duyang , Yang Shuo , Zhao Qi , Zhou Cangtao , Ruan Shuangchen , Yuan Zhen
Published: June 2021

In this study, to visually acquire all‐round structural and functional information of lung cancer while performing synergistic photothermal therapy (PTT) and tumor‐targeting immunotherapy, a theranostic nanoplatform that introduced upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and IR‐1048 dye into the lipid‐aptamer nanostructrure (UCILA) is constructed. Interestingly, the IR‐1048 dye grafted into the lipid bilayer can serve as the theranostic agent for photoacoustic imaging, optical coherence tomography angiography, photothermal imaging, and PTT in the second near infrared (NIR‐II) window. In addition, loaded in the inner part of UCILA, UCNPs possess the superior luminescence property and high X‐ray attenuation coefficient, which can act as contrast agents for computed tomography (CT) and thermo‐sensitive up‐conversion luminescence (UCL) imaging, enabling real‐time tracking of metabolic activity of tumor and temperature‐feedback PTT. Furthermore, under the complementary guidance of penta‐modal imaging and an accurate monitoring of in situ temperature change during PTT, UCILA exhibits its excellent capability for ablating the lung tumor with minimal side effects. Meanwhile, synergistic CAR‐NK immunotherapy is carried out specifically to eradicate any possible residual tumor cells after PTT. Therefore, the UCILA nanoplatform is demonstrated as a multifunctional theranostic agent for both penta‐modal imaging and temperature‐feedback PTT while conducting targeting immunotherapy of lung cancer.
Defect Passivation of Perovskite Films for Highly Efficient and Stable Solar Cells
Authors: Byranvand Mahdi Malekshahi , Saliba Michael
Published: June 2021

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been introduced as an attractive photovoltaic technology over the past decade due to their low‐cost processing, earth‐abundant raw materials, and high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of up to 25.2%. However, the relatively high density of defects within the bulk, grain boundaries, and surface of polycrystalline perovskite films acts as recombination centers and facilitates ion migration, lowering the theoretical PCE ceiling, often leading to inferior device stability. Therefore, understanding the defect sources and developing passivation methods are key factors for reaching higher PCEs and stabilities in perovskite photovoltaics. Herein, various passivation methods, including bulk and surface treatment of perovskite films, are explored. In the bulk treatment, the passivating agents should be directly added to the perovskite precursor. However, in the surface treatment method, the surface of perovskite films can be treated by inducing passivating agents during the intermediate phase or after annealing steps, denoted here as in‐film or surface posttreatment. In addition, different kinds of passivating agents are categorized based on their functional groups. Finally, the outline directions to minimize the defects in perovskite films are highlighted.
Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Directing Group Assisted (Hetero)aryl C−H Functionalization: Construction of C−C/C‐Heteroatom Bonds
Authors: Sarkar Tanumay , Shah Tariq A. , Maharana Prabhat Kumar , Talukdar Kangkan , Das Bijay Ketan , Punniyamurthy Tharmalingam
Published: June 2021

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed C−H functionalization is one of the fascinating scientific fronts in organic synthesis for the formation of conjugated arenes and has emerged as a benchmark to revolutionize the synthetic enterprise since past decades. In this realm, chelation‐guided functionalization of C−H bonds using an exogenous directing group has received considerable attention recently for the expedient regioselective construction of C−C and C‐heteroatom bonds as an efficient and sustainable alternative. This article outlines our contribution towards a wide variety of transformations that have been achieved by the directed C−H functionalization through the fine tuning of catalytic systems.
Triclosan regulates the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathway through the PI3K/Akt/JNK signaling cascade to induce oxidative damage in neurons
Authors: Wang Dan , Liu Jieyu , Jiang Hong
Published: June 2021

Triclosan (TCS), a broad‐spectrum antimicrobial agent, is recognized as an environmental endocrine disruptor. TCS has caused a wide range of environmental, water and soil pollution. TCS is also still detected in food. Due to its high lipophilicity and stability, TCS can enter the human body through biological enrichment and potentially threatenes human health. In recent years, the neurotoxic effects caused by TCS contamination have attracted increasing attention. This study was designed to investigate the mechanism underlying TCS‐induced HT‐22 cells injury and to explore the effect of TCS on the PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathways in HT‐22 cells. In this study, we examined the adverse effects of TCS treatment on ROS generation, and MDA, GSH‐Px, and SOD activities. The expression levels of proteins in the Nrf2, PI3K/Akt, MAPK pathways and Caspase‐3, BAX, Bcl‐2 were measured and quantified by Western blotting. The results showed that TCS could significantly reduce the activity of HT‐22 cells, increase the production of intracellular ROS and upregulate the expression of proapoptotic proteins. In addition, TCS promoted an increase in the MDA and SOD levels, and downregulated the GSH‐Px activity, and oxidative damage occurred in neurons. The mechanism underlying this toxicity was related to TCS‐induced PI3K/Akt/JNK‐mediated regulation of the Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway. This result was further confirmed by the specific inhibitors LY294002 and SP600125. In summary, TCS could induce oxidative damage in HT‐22 neurons, and activation of the PI3K/Akt/JNK/ Nrf2 /HO‐1 signaling cascade was the main mechanism underlying the TCS‐induced HT‐22 neuronal toxicity.
Restorative Design for Heritage Requalification: Selected Roman Works
Authors: Cupelloni Luciano
Published: June 2021

The theme is the urban re-qualification, applied in particular to the architectural heritage and the public space. The goal is the ongoing challenge of outlining a new perspective aimed at “common good” and sustainability. The instrument chosen is the “environmental technological design,” understood as a cultural, scientific, and social position, that is, as a position on the role of architecture. The contribution reiterates the urgency of restoring the transformative power of the design mission to the project, too often reduced to a set of technical compilation procedures. In the best cases, a position that is lost in the complication of procedures, in the extension of time, in the waste of economic and human resources. A crisis of the project as “anticipation” of progressive scenarios, precisely in the most acute, ever more serious phase, of the urgency of the reorganization of urban systems, with a view to environmental, social and economic sustainability. Not a recent urgency, today only brought to light, dramatically, by the reality of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Among the solutions, the design experimental research, well beyond the objective of flexibility, up to the notion of “functional indifference,” understood not as shapeless neutrality, but as the maximum functionality of spatial, architectural and urban quality.
The Blue Growth Smart Specialization Challenges Towards the Restorative Economy
Authors: Baltov Milen
Published: June 2021

The ‘blue economy’ embraces more than five million jobs and the gross added value in the second decade of this century is surpassing EUR half a trillion a year. Now when this growth even accelerates in many more sub-sectors the process goes driven in two ways. On one side, a wave of smart specialization strategies at regional and urban level is under way, in many cases incorporating the restorative economy elements. On the other side, changes just happened even without the respective strategies in the blue economy structure and challenge the established sectors. The purpose of this chapter of the book is to identify the main challenges of the smart specialization strategies at urban and regional level incorporating the blue growth elements that are met towards the restorative economy frames. The methods used are a literature and key policy documents review and some secondary data analysis over performed by the European Commission contractor investigation with reference to a project performed in the sector. As a conclusion the recommendation for sectoral specialization of the coastal areas and its cities’ economy in accordance with the innovative potential for blue growth was outlined, with the understanding it might be fragile due to the unsustainable economic activities in the seas.
Circular Economy in Construction from Waste to Green Recycled Products in Israel: A Case Study
Authors: Weinstein Zvi
Published: June 2021

The chapter describes a policy of the State of Israel with the aim to cope with construction and demolition waste (CDW) through recycling, to be further used as green products. It is aimed at supporting the national economy and the recovery of the open public spaces that became places for illegal landfills, impacting the natural environment. Two major tools are used to achieve these aims: the first is the circular economy (CE), instrumentally led by the Ministry of Economy, and the second is the regulatory framework led by the Ministry of Environmental Protection. Both have the capacities to cope with, and support, the national economy and the environment. We argue that the way to achieve the full integration between the circular economy and the legal framework has still a wide gap, although big changes and advancements have been made towards reaching a comprehensive policy. Both Ministries are aware that it is a long process to achieve real changes after many years of environmental neglect due mainly to conflictual politics, economic interests, lack of budget and other government priorities. The means to achieve that goal include the use of the circular economy principles for recycling CDW into green and reusable products, on the one hand, and empowering the responsibility and accountability of local municipalities through regulation, on the other.
Cultural Heritage, Tourism and the UN Sustainable Development Goals: The Case of Croatia
Authors: Kordej-De Villa Željka , Šulc Ivan
Published: June 2021

The chapter analyses the quality of managing cultural heritage sites in Croatia, particularly those inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage List, which are under growing pressure of overtourism. The analysis was performed by using qualitative and quantitative data on visitors of the UNESCO heritage and the most important impacts of tourism on destination areas, compared to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focused on tourism and heritage. The study investigates the state of safeguarding, protecting and valorizing cultural heritage in relevant documents and in practice, focusing on Dubrovnik as a case study area. The analysis revealed the insufficient plans for managing UNESCO World Heritage Sites in relevant documents and in the field, as well as lack of monitoring of tourism impacts. The selected cases in Croatia confirmed that the most common way for heritage valorization is within the framework of tourism (McKercher and du Cros, Cultural tourism. The partnership between tourism and cultural heritage management, Routledge, New York/London, 2009), where heritage is most often associated with sustainable tourism. However, desirable regenerative tourism, that repairs the harm that has already been done, is still far from the present situation and it will require much effort in its planning, designing tools for its implementation and its management to achieve it in the near future.
Benefit Points for the Project
Authors: Hannay Jo Erskine
Published: June 2021

We start by looking at projects and their most abstract product elements, the epics, and show how to estimate their benefit using benefit points. Then we show how to sort epics according to a benefit-cost index to help decide the order in which to put epics into releases. Instantiating points with a monetary value provides added means of prioritizing and determining when to stop sending epics into construction. We show two modes of estimating benefit: one where the purpose is to fulfil a given goal (confirmatory mode), and the other where the purpose is to explore where to set the goal (exploratory mode).
Enabling Public Participation in Shaping the Inclusive Energy Transition Through Serious Gaming—Case Studies in India
Authors: Palavalli Bharath M. , Krishnan Sruthi , Iddya Yashwin
Published: June 2021

To create holistic plans for equitable access to energy and to create sustainable transition pathways, stakeholder consultation and engagement processes are essential. In India, the planning process for energy has challenges that range from legacy processes, increasing energy demand to fuel growth, pressures arising from competing (as well as new and old) technologies, to varying goals for all the stakeholders. We categorize these factors as institutional structures, geopolitical, environmental, technical, social, and monetary factors. To ensure a vision for a collective future and a coherent plan for energy, it is important that the processes enable participation and allow for co-ordination and interaction to strengthen dialogue. Processes should capture intangibles and include slack for events such as pandemics, which are no longer treated either as externalities or once-in-a-lifetime events. In this chapter, we give two examples of serious games as tools to address these challenges in the context of planning. The first example is of a game created for bureaucrats, decision-makers in the government, and private energy companies to plan collectively and compare results from various plans for energy expenditure in India. In the second case, the game aids transportation planning in urban India, which requires additional effort to ensure a transition to equitable access to energy. Using results from the game sessions, we illustrate how such methods can bridge gaps in energy planning in the diverse and challenging context of India.
A Comprehensive Engineering Approach to Shaping the Future Energy System
Authors: Lukszo Zofia , Farahani Samira
Published: June 2021

The urgency to significantly reduce the impacts of climate change is felt around the globe. By signing the Paris agreement in 2016, 195 governments have agreed on a long-term goal of keeping the increase in global average temperature below 2 °C above preindustrial levels and on aiming to limit the increase to 1.5 °C. To reach these goals, major technological, organizational, and social changes in different sectors and their services are needed. To understand and steer the transition from the current energy system towards a carbon-free energy system, we propose a comprehensive engineering framework that integrates different aspects, such as technical, economic, cyber-physical, social, institutional and political, that are needed in the design of such a complex system. We explain the importance of combining different disciplines to provide comprehensive models and tools in order to support and achieve a sustainable, affordable, reliable and inclusive energy transition.
Good Governance and the Regulation of the District Heating Market
Authors: Lavrijssen Saskia , Vitéz Blanka
Published: June 2021

This chapter discusses how the fundamental values of energy democracy and energy justice and the principles of good governance can play a role in developing a more consistent approach towards the regulation of the energy sector and, more in particular, in dealing with the challenges of regulating the heat transition in the Netherlands in a just way. Energy justice and energy democracy are energy specific concepts that are gaining influence when interpreting and applying the principles of good governance in the energy sector. Both concepts are based on the awareness that the energy transition is a matter for all citizens of the European Union and should not be ignored by policymakers and independent regulators. The heat transition in the Netherlands significantly impacts the position of consumers, prosumers and vulnerable customers, as an ever-larger group of consumers will be disconnected from the gas grid and will be connected to heat networks. Energy democracy and energy justice and the principles of good governance are important values that should guide policy-makers in making choices that affect consumer participation and the protection of vulnerable customers in the heat transition. It is elaborated how energy democracy and energy justice and the principles of good governance indeed can provide a useful framework within which advantages and disadvantages can be weighed of regulatory choices to be made when modernising the regulation of the heat market in a just way. In particular, there remains a lot to gain in terms of flexible regulation and supervision as well as the facilitation of consumer/prosumer participation in the Netherlands. Because it is likely that most heat consumers will remain locked in for a relatively long time in natural monopolies facilitated by older generation heat networks and the lack of alternative heating, substantive consumer-participation could yield positive results regarding community engagement in heat network management and heat supply.
ALP — SMEFT interference
Authors: Galda Anne Mareike , Neubert Matthias , Renner Sophie
Published: June 2021

Abstract

The Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT) offers a powerful theoretical framework for parameterizing the low-energy effects of heavy new particles with masses far above the scale of electroweak symmetry breaking. Additional light degrees of freedom extend the effective theory. We show that light new particles that are weakly coupled to the SM via non-renormalizable interactions induce non-zero Wilson coefficients in the SMEFT Lagrangian via renormalization-group evolution. For the well-motivated example of axions and axion-like particles (ALPs) interacting with the SM via classically shift-invariant dimension-5 interactions, we calculate how these interactions contribute to the one-loop renormalization of the dimension-6 SMEFT operators, and how this running sources additional contributions to the Wilson coefficients on top of those expected from heavy new states. As an application, we study the ALP contributions to the magnetic dipole moment of the top quark and comment on implications of electroweak precision constraints on ALP couplings.
Neophobia in 10 ungulate species—a comparative approach
Authors: Schaffer Alina , Caicoya Alvaro L. , Colell Montserrat , Holland Ruben , von Fersen Lorenzo , Widdig Anja , Amici Federica
Published: June 2021

Neophobia (the fearful reaction to novel stimuli or situations) has a crucial effect on individual fitness and can vary within and across species. However, the factors predicting this variation are still unclear. In this study, we assessed whether individual characteristics (rank, social integration, sex) and species socio-ecological characteristics (dietary breadth, group size, domestication) predicted variation in neophobia. For this purpose, we conducted behavioral observations and experimental tests on 78 captive individuals belonging to 10 different ungulate species—an ideal taxon to study inter-specific variation in neophobia given their variety in socio-ecological characteristics. Individuals were tested in their social groups by providing them with familiar food, half of which had been positioned close to a novel object. We monitored the individual latency to approach and eat food and the proportion of time spent in its proximity. Using a phylogenetic approach and social network analyses, we showed that across ungulate species neophobia was higher in socially more integrated individuals, as compared to less integrated ones. In contrast, rank and sex did not predict inter-individual differences in neophobia. Moreover, species differed in their levels of neophobia, with Barbary sheep being on average less neophobic than all the other study species. As group size in Barbary sheep was larger than in all the other study species, these results support the hypothesis that larger group size predicts lower levels of neophobia, and confirm ungulates as a highly promising taxon to study animal behavior and cognition with a comparative perspective.

Significance statement

In several species, individuals may respond fearfully to novel stimuli, therefore reducing the risks they may face. However, it is yet unclear if certain individuals or species respond more fearfully to novelty. Here, we provided food to 78 individual ungulates with different characteristics (e.g., sex, rank, social integration, group size, domestication, dietary breadth) in different controlled conditions (e.g., when food was close to novel or to familiar objects). Across species, we found that socially integrated individuals responded more fearfully in all species. Moreover, being in larger groups decreased the probability of fearfully responding to novelty.
Structural systematics of SFCA-I type solid-solutions in the system CaO–Fe2O3–FeO–Al2O3
Authors: Kahlenberg Volker , Krüger Hannes , Tribus Martina
Published: June 2021

Effects of Fe ↔ Al substitution on triclinic SFCA-I-type compounds with general formula A40O56 (A: Ca, Al, Fe3+, Fe2+) have been studied using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystals of sufficient quality and size were synthesized in the temperature range between 1200 and 1300 °C. Six samples with Al/FeTot ratios of 0.127, 0.173, 0.216, 0.310, 0.349 and 0.459 have been structurally characterized. SFCA-I can be described with a modular approach involving the stacking sequence < PSS > of “P” and “S” modules that can be imagined as being cut from the well-known pyroxene (P) and spinel (S) structure types. Furthermore, SFCA-I is related to the sapphirine supergroup of minerals. Within the present solid-solution series, the contents in calcium show only minor variations (≈ 6.7 a.p.f.u.). The twenty crystallographically independent tetrahedrally (T) and octahedrally (M) coordinated cation sites exhibit considerable differences concerning the Al uptake. Indeed, Al is preferentially incorporated into the tetrahedra belonging to the single-chains located in the pyroxene modules. Ferrous iron, on the other hand, is restricted to one of the T-positions within the spinel blocks. Most structural aspects from unit-cell parameters and cell volumes to site occupancies, tetrahedral chain kinking as well as polyhedral distortions are defined by linear or nearly linear trends when plotted against the Al/FeTot ratio. Analysis of the < T–O > and < M–O > distances showed a complex interplay between the different coordination polyhedra resulting in a contrasting behavior of these values with positive or negative change rates as a function of composition. Evaluation of the average chemical strain tensor derived from the sets of lattice parameters for the two samples of the abovementioned series showing the highest and lowest Al/FeTot ratios indicated, that the major contraction with increasing Al content is perpendicular to the pyroxene- and spinel modules. Furthermore, the pyroxene module seems to be more affected when compared with the spinel block. There is evidence that the SFCA-I-type solid-solution series is limited on both the Al- and Fe-rich sides. The present investigation provides—for the first time—a detailed crystallographic analysis on the impact of chemical variations on a compound that is of relevance to the field of applied mineralogy related to the technologically important process of iron-ore sintering.
Multimorbidity in old age and its impact on life results
Authors: Brijoux Thomas , Woopen Cristiane , Zank Susanne
Published: June 2021

Background

High prevalence diseases, such as high blood pressure, dementia and depression in old age can lead to multimorbidity, which is often defined as the presence of more than one health condition in an individual. Multimorbidity has negative consequences on health-related quality of life and healthcare utilization. As many age-associated diseases are not curable, therapeutic goals like preservation of autonomy, functioning, and life satisfaction become more important in old age patients.

Objective

The prevalence of multimorbidity dementia and depressive symptoms and the consequences of multimorbidity on autonomy, functioning, and life satisfaction among the oldest old were examined.

Material and methods

In personal computer-assisted interviews, participants of the representative study NRW80+ were asked for which health issues they received medical treatment.

Results

On average, people above the age of 80 years were treated for 3.62 diseases and 31.4% of older people received medical treatment for 5 or more diseases. A connection between multimorbidity and age group could not be shown. Autonomy, functioning, and life satisfaction are reduced in association with multimorbidity.

Conclusion

Multimorbidity is a frequent phenomenon among old people. A lack of diagnostic procedures and medical treatment can be a reason for the missing age trends. The results illustrate the importance of multimorbidity for patient-relevant outcomes and reveal the need to identify patients with multimorbidity.
Dynamic Łukasiewicz logic and its application to immune system
Authors: Di Nola Antonio , Grigolia Revaz , Mitskevich Nunu , Vitale Gaetano
Published: June 2021

It is introduced an immune dynamicn-valued Łukasiewicz logic$$ID{\L }_n$$IDŁnon the base ofn-valued Łukasiewicz logic$${\L }_n$$Łnand corresponding to it immune dynamic$$MV_n$$MVn-algebra ($$IDL_n$$IDLn-algebra),$$1< n < \omega $$1<n<ω, which are algebraic counterparts of the logic, that in turn represent two-sorted algebras$$(\mathcal {M}, \mathcal {R}, \Diamond )$$(M,R,◊)that combine the varieties of$$MV_n$$MVn-algebras$$\mathcal {M} = (M, \oplus , \odot , \sim , 0,1)$$M=(M,⊕,⊙,∼,0,1)and regular algebras$$\mathcal {R} = (R,\cup , ;, ^*)$$R=(R,∪,;,∗)into a single finitely axiomatized variety resemblingR-module with “scalar” multiplication$$\Diamond $$◊. Kripke semantics is developed for immune dynamic Łukasiewicz logic$$ID{\L }_n$$IDŁnwith application in immune system.
Vom Umgang mit Überkomplexität
Authors: Käckmeister Hannes
Published: June 2021

Der Beitrag zeigt, worin die Komplexität der Alterseinschätzung begründet liegt und wie Sozialarbeitende in der Praxis der qualifizierten Inaugenscheinnahme damit umgehen. Grundlage des Beitrags ist eine soziologische Studie zu den Verfahren der Alterseinschätzung in Deutschland und Frankreich, die im Rahmen einer Doktorarbeit durchgeführt wurde, die voraussichtlich im zweiten Halbjahr 2021 veröffentlicht wird. Das methodologische Vorgehen beruht auf ethnographischen Beobachtungen und Interviews, die zwischen 2017 bis 2019 in einem Jugendamt durchgeführt wurden.
Kritisch-reflexive Urteilskompetenz in der Bildungsarbeit
Authors: Bücken Susanne , Frieters-Reermann Norbert
Published: June 2021

Bildungsprozesse sind niemals neutral und in der hochkomplexen diversifizierten Weltgesellschaft extrem konfliktanfällig und spannungsreich. Damit wird angesprochen, dass durch Bildungsangebote, -strukturen, -formate und -materialien oftmals ungewollt vorhandene Konfliktpotentiale verstärkt, Diskriminierungstendenzen verschärft und Exklusionsdynamiken erhöht werden. Von daher ist eine umfassende kritisch-reflexive Urteilskompetenz aller verantwortlichen Akteur*innen von zentraler Bedeutung. Diese wird im vorliegenden Beitrag aus der Perspektive einer konfliktsensiblen und rassismuskritischen Bildung hergeleitet.
Rapid Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells into Testosterone-Producing Leydig Cell-Like Cells In vitro
Authors: Shin Eun-Young , Park Seah , Choi Won Yun , Lee Dong Ryul
Published: June 2021

Background:

Leydig cells (LCs) are testicular somatic cells that are the major producers of testosterone in males. Testosterone is essential for male physiology and reproduction. Reduced testosterone levels lead to hypogonadism and are associated with diverse pathologies, such as neuronal dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome. LC transplantation is a promising therapy for hypogonadism; however, the number of LCs in the testis is very rare and they do not proliferate in vitro. Therefore, there is a need for an alternative source of LCs.

Methods:

To develop a safer, simple, and rapid strategy to generate human LC-like cells (LLCs) from stem cells, we first performed preliminary tests under different conditions for the induction of LLCs from human CD34/CD73 double positive-testis-derived stem cells (HTSCs). Based on the embryological sequence of events, we suggested a 3-step strategy for the differentiation of human ESCs into LLCs. We generated the mesendoderm in the first stage and intermediate mesoderm (IM) in the second stage and optimized the conditions for differentiation of IM into LLCs by comparing the secreted testosterone levels of each group.

Results:

HTSCs and human embryonic stem cells can be directly differentiated into LLCs by defined molecular compounds within a short period. Human ESC-derived LLCs can secrete testosterone and express steroidogenic markers.

Conclusion:

We developed a rapid and efficient protocol for the production of LLCs from stem cells using defined molecular compounds. These findings provide a new therapeutic cell source for male hypogonadism.
Vehicle–track–tunnel dynamic interaction: a finite/infinite element modelling method
Authors: Xu Lei , Zhai Wanming
Published: June 2021

The aim of this study is to develop coupled matrix formulations to characterize the dynamic interaction between the vehicle, track, and tunnel. The vehicle–track coupled system is established in light of vehicle–track coupled dynamics theory. The physical characteristics and mechanical behavior of tunnel segments and rings are modeled by the finite element method, while the soil layers of the vehicle–track–tunnel (VTT) system are modeled as an assemblage of 3-D mapping infinite elements by satisfying the boundary conditions at the infinite area. With novelty, the tunnel components, such as rings and segments, have been coupled to the vehicle–track systems using a matrix coupling method for finite elements. The responses of sub-systems included in the VTT interaction are obtained simultaneously to guarantee the solution accuracy. To relieve the computer storage and save the CPU time for the large-scale VTT dynamics system with high degrees of freedoms, a cyclic calculation method is introduced. Apart from model validations, the necessity of considering the tunnel substructures such as rings and segments is demonstrated. In addition, the maximum number of elements in the tunnel segment is confirmed by numerical simulations.
Economical Speed for Optimizing the Travel Time and Energy Consumption in Train Scheduling using a Fuzzy Multi-Objective Model
Authors: Jafarian-Moghaddam Ahmad Reza
Published: June 2021

Speed is one of the most influential variables in both energy consumption and train scheduling problems. Increasing speed guarantees punctuality, thereby improving railroad capacity and railway stakeholders’ satisfaction and revenues. However, a rise in speed leads to more energy consumption, costs, and thus, more pollutant emissions. Therefore, determining an economic speed, which requires a trade-off between the user’s expectations and the capabilities of the railway system in providing tractive forces to overcome the running resistance due to rail route and moving conditions, is a critical challenge in railway studies. This paper proposes a new fuzzy multi-objective model, which, by integrating micro and macro levels and determining the economical speed for trains in block sections, can optimize train travel time and energy consumption. Implementing the proposed model in a real case with different scenarios for train scheduling reveals that this model can enhance the total travel time by 19% without changing the energy consumption ratio. The proposed model has little need for input from experts’ opinions to determine the rates and parameters.
How to Do What Is Right, Not What Is Easy: Requirements for Assessment of Genome-Edited and Genetically Modified Organisms under Ethical Guidelines
Authors: Antonsen T. , Dassler T.
Published: June 2021

Summary/Abstract

An ethical assessment is a complex, dynamic and comprehensive process that requires both ethical expertise and practical knowledge. An ethical assessment of a genetically modified organism (GMO, including genome edited organisms) must follow accepted and transparent methods and be based in relevant considerations. In addition, the Ethical guidelines must include a broad and adequate range of values, so that no groups, stakeholders, agents or areas are left out.