bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Business Intention and Gendered Role on Implication of the Resource-based View: Quantitative Context on Agribusiness
Authors: Sachitra K. M. V.
Published: March 2020

Purpose: This paper analyses the moderating effects of farm owner’s gender and business intention which could impact on the resource-capability-competitive advantage linkage in agribusiness. The study adopts the resource-based view in combination with dynamic capabilities.

Design: The sample of the consisted of the farm owners who have experience in commercial cultivation of minor export crops in Sri Lanka. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data.

Findings: Based on the data collected from 456 farm owners, results of the multiple regression analysis suggest farm owner’s business intention has moderating effects upon the relationship between resources, capabilities and competitive advantage. However, statistically significant moderation effect of farm owner’s gender on the relationship between resources, capabilities and farm’s competitive advantage was not reported.

Research implications: The result gives positive sign that gender is not a constraint factor to gain competitive advantage at firm level and psyche of the leaders regarding their business intention which can lead to enhance the link between resources, dynamic capabilities and competitive advantage.

Originality: The literature gap in competitive advantage literature by highlighting the potential roles of gender and business intention play in the resource-capability-competitive advantage interaction has been addressed. The results provide practical implications for policy makers, government and local communities with regard to selecting suitable resources and integrating them with proper capabilities for greater competitive advantage of the agribusiness sector.
Coronavirus Outbreak and the Mathematical Growth Map of COVID-19
Authors: Kamrujjaman Md. , Mahmud Md. Shahriar , Islam Md. Shafiqul
Published: March 2020

In the last two decades the world had faced three respiratory syndrome outbreaks incurred by Coronavirus. Though the wild animals are the primary carriers of the virus, the human population managed to survive sacrificing more than 1,600 lives from 2002 to 2012. But the current virus outbreak has already taken more than 2,462 lives since 22 February 2020. In the first few days, when the cases were being introduced under light, there were no treatment for the infection and the unleashed spread demands to be analyzed to see the pattern of the outbreak. This manuscript aims to look into the growth map of the COVID-19 outbreak under mathematical growth functions and tries to understand which growth pattern assembles the scenario for the cases.
Food Spoilage by Bacilli: Combined Effects of pH, aw and Storage Temperature on Spore Germination and Growth in Cultural Broth Added with Solutes and Organic Acids
Authors: Franceschini Barbara , Previdi Maria Paola , Schianchi Irene
Published: March 2020

Aims: The control of Bacillus spores plays an important role in quality assurance and safety of processed foods. Their growth can be avoided by either sterilization or pasteurization in combination with a lowering of pH (≤ 4.6) or water activity (aw < 0.90) or with the combined action of both parameters (spore germination inhibition). In some food products, the reduction of pH to values ​​lower than 4.6 or a thermal treatment of sterilization can lead to nutritional and organoleptic changes, that are not always satisfactory for the consumer. The aim of this work was to produce data for a range of spoilage bacilli at a variety of pH and aw values and to monitor the potential outgrowth of these spores when stored at different temperatures. This study focused on the influence of the type of acid or solute used.  

Place and Duration of Study: Quality, Safety and Pre-Industrialization Area, Stazione Sperimentale per l’Industria delle Conserve Alimentari-SSICA, Parma, Italy between March 2018 and November 2019.

Methodology: B. sublitilis, B. licheniformis, B. cereus spore’s growth was studied in broth under the following conditions: aw (0.90 to 0.93), temperature (6, 12 and 30°C) and pH (4.9 to 5.5). Selected water activities were reached by the addition of appropriate amount of sodium chloride, sucrose or glycerol; pH was adjusted to various values with lactic acid, acetic acid or citric acid.

Results: A combination of aw 0.92, with glycerol or sodium chloride and pH 5.1 inhibits the germination of all strains spores. B. subtilis was the species able to grow in the less favorable conditions. Acetic acid proved the strongest antimicrobial action; sodium chloride resulted more effective in inhibiting growth when used in combination with acids tested.

Conclusion: The results achieved can be useful for the food industry, identifying the conditions that could preserve the product by means of a less drastic heat treatment preserving as much as possible the natural organoleptic characteristics.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Radiology among Physicians in a Tertiary Hospital in North-Central Nigeria
Authors: Salaam A. J. , Iyua K. O. , Danjem S. M. , Salaam A. A. , Egbo B. O. , Modebe E. O. , Taiwo Y. F. , Kolade-Yunusa H. O. , Igoh E. O. , Gabkwet A. E.
Published: March 2020

Objective: To assess physicians’ knowledge, attitude and practice of radiology.

Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study utilizing an anonymous questionnaire responded to by physicians, divided into parts as follows: one with questions about the physicians’ knowledge of imaging modalities, availability of the modalities at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), modalities with ionizing radiation, radiologist reports and way forward in improving services at radiology department.

Results: A total of 123 physicians participated in the study. Majority of the physicians (65.0%) were males. Male to female ratio was nearly 2:1. Concerning the impression about radiology, the study showed that 101(82.1%) like radiology as a specialty. There was however poor knowledge about the risks and hazards associated with radiological imaging modalities.

Conclusion: The non-radiologist physicians’ knowledge is heterogeneous and, in some aspects, needs to be improved. Multidisciplinary clinical meetings and teaching activities are important ways to disseminate information on the subject.
A Comparative Assessment of Pig Manure and Poultry Manure in the Biodegradation of Diesel Contaminated Soil
Authors: Njunbemere Njunjima , Ifelebuegu Augustine , Onyedikachukwu Ndekwu Benneth
Published: March 2020

Aim: This research aims to carry out a comparative assessment on the use of pig manure and poultry manure as a carbon substrate for the degradation of diesel.

Study Design: Fifteen experimental pots were used in this analysis and this was carried out for a duration of 44 days. This experiment was done in stages and each stage was for 2 weeks. Experimental pots were labelled appropriately with the right concentrations of soil, diesel oil and manure to avoid cross-contamination. This experiment involved one pollution level of 0.275% of the weight of soil. Two (2) treatment concentrations of 20% and 40% of the weight of soil for pig manure and poultry manure respectively, three temperature levels of 25ºC, 30ºC, 37ºC.

Place and Duration of Study: Microbiological laboratory and Environmental Science laboratory of Coventry University/two months.

Methodology: Bioremediation of the diesel contaminated soil involved two concentration levels of 40 g and 80 g. These concentrations (40 g and 80 g) were used for both pig manure and poultry manure. These manures were measured in the fume cupboard using an electronic balance to avoid pollution to air. The right manure concentrations of 40 g and 80 g were transferred into the appropriately labelled pots containing 200 g of soil each. The mixture (soil+ diesel+ pig/poultry manure) was properly homogenised and allowed for biodegradation.

Results: Results of TPH analysis showed high percent removal of 84.71%, 90%, 82.35%, 85.29% for soil treated with pig manure at 40 g and 80 g, and soil treated with 40 g, 80 g of poultry manure at 37ºC. This study showed that the microbial consortium, nutrient concentration and temperatures played great roles in enhancing bioremediation process.

Conclusion: Nutrient addition enhanced the degradation of diesel contaminated soil. It is evident from the results that at 37ºC diesel degradation occurred more in all soil samples than at 30oC and 25ºC. Therefore, it can be concluded that 37ºC is most suitable for diesel degradation with the highest efficiency in soil treated with 80 g of pig manure. However, at 25oC, high percent degradation also occurred in all treated samples with spi-40 g having the highest percent degradation.
Package Design Improvement for Wire Shorting Resolution
Authors: Jr. A. Sumagpang , Jr. E. Graycochea , Gomez F. R.
Published: March 2020

New devices and new technologies in semiconductor industry are getting more complex in terms  of package layout, direct materials, and process capability. With the package design complexity, several issues are encountered during the development, and in turn affecting the overall yield of the package. The paper discusses the modification and improvement done on the bond/lead finger where the wire has issues on shorting with the soldermask during wirebonding process. With the design improvement, occurrence of wire shorting to soldermask would be mitigated.
Simulation and Optimization of Municipal Solid Waste Combustion: A Case Study of a Fixed Bed Incinerator
Authors: Omari Arthur M. , John John P. , Kichonge Baraka
Published: March 2020

In this study, a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technique was used to develop a model for the simulation and flow conditions of the incinerator. The CFD technique are based on subdividing the volume of interest, i.e., the combustion chamber (or other parts of the plant) into a grid of elementary volumes. The relevant equations of conservation (mass, momentum, energy) are then applied to each of those elements, after defining all inputs, outputs and boundary conditions. The resulting system is then integrated from start to finish, after introducing momentum, mass and heat transfer. The objective of the study was to evaluate and optimize the performance of locally available incinerators in Tanzania. The small scale municipal solid waste incinerator modelling was done by using a fluent solver. The case study of the existing incinerator at a Bagamoyo hospital in Tanzania was used as a model and the obtained values were compared with simulated results and other publications for validation. The design optimization using CFD techniques to predict the performance of incinerator showed the deviation of input air by 14%, the mass flow rate by 26.5%, the mass fraction of carbon dioxide by 10.4% and slight deviation of nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide. The study suggested removing the ash during the incineration process by using a moving grate mechanism to minimize the possibility of formation of NOX. The study found the maximum mass flow rate capacity of incinerator to be 68kg/h with input air A1 as 0.03639 kg/s, input air A2 as 0.03046 kg/s and input air A3 as 0.03409 kg/s. The findings indicated that as capacity is scaled up, the available momentum declines relative to the dimensions of the furnace.
Bridging Leadership Perspectives: Practitioner vs. Educator in the Healthcare Field of Dietetics
Authors: Miner Katie R. , Holyoke Laura B. , Ramsay Samantha A.
Published: March 2020

Aims: Identify leadership competencies and skills needed by entry-level registered dietitians. An overarching goal was to provide curriculum developers in healthcare professions directions about leadership competencies required for entry into the professional workforce.

Study Design:  Modified Delphi Study.

Methodology: We invited 105 participants to populate two expert panel groups (1) practitioners serving in professional leadership positions as presidents for state affiliate associations of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (N=52) and (2) educators of dietetic professionals holding position of director of a Coordinated Dietetic programs (N=53). Perspectives about leadership competencies and skills from registered dietitians were examined through a three round Delphi study analyzing views of two expert panel groups: practitioners and educators.

Results: Initially, panelists identified leadership priorities for dietetics educational programs. In subsequent rounds, panelists rated importance of leadership priority statements. Through qualitative analysis, responses between panel groups were compared. Additionally, chi-square analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between ratings of each panel. Practitioners and educators rated 32 out of 202 leadership statements differently (p<0.5), indicating some contrasting leadership perspectives based on professional role.

Discussion: Findings from qualitative analysis suggest different leadership perspectives may exist between educators and practitioners. Educators are urged to consider differences in leadership perspectives when preparing students for leadership positions.
Evaluation of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in relation to smartphone use
Authors: Kempf Carly A. , Ehrhard Kimberly A. , Stoner Steven C.
Published: March 2020

Introduction

The use of smartphones throughout the United States continues to rise. Although smartphones have increased our capacity to access information, there is concern if excessive use may impact mental health. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a relationship exists between smartphone use and the presence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) or behaviors.

Methods

A 33-item online survey was developed with 19 items relating to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A survey response was considered positive for possible OCS if participants answered at least 3 questions as Most of the time or All of the time for the OCD-related questions structured around the DSM-5 criteria for OCD while also using their smartphone for greater than 2 or more hours per day.

Results

A total of 308 of 550 subjects identified spending 2 or more hours on their smartphone per day and also answered positively on 3 or more questions designed to identify OCS. A statistically significant difference was discovered between those who used their smartphone for 2 or more hours per day and those who met 3 or more positive criteria for OCS compared to those who used their smartphone less than 2 hours per day (P < .00001).

Discussion

The results of this study demonstrate a possible relationship between smartphone use and OCS. Additional research needs to be conducted to further investigate these results to determine their significance in clinical practice.
Direitos reprodutivos e (des)colonização: notas preliminares sobre a colonialidade dos direitos reprodutivos
Authors: Telo Florita Cuhanga António
Published: March 2020

Este artigo é parte da minha pesquisa doutoral que se encontra em fase final. Trata-se de notas preliminares sobre a colonização dos direitos reprodutivos, através da formulação do conceito de autonomia reprodutiva, bem como a implementação de uma política internacional contraceptiva, que atende principalmente a interesses de controle populacional (eugenista) de países do Norte Global, em relação ao Sul. Consequentemente, viola direitos humanos fundamentais das mulheres. A partir de uma pesquisa bibliográfica e documental são problematizados os conceitos de direitos reprodutivos e consequentemente de autonomia reprodutiva. A análise é feita no sentido de despertar a comunidade internacional, acadêmica e ativista, sobre os riscos ainda presentes na concretização dos direitos reprodutivos, para mulheres e homens, com destaque para África. Nestes termos, reconhecer ambas as dimensões dos direitos reprodutivos, o positivo e o negativo é imprescindível. Primeiro para não contribuir com à contínua violação de direitos destes seres humanos, no e do Sul Global, historicamente marginalizados. Segundo, porque nos possibilita desenvolver uma agenda crítica que vai de encontro as demandas reais daqueles grupos.
Data‐Informed Design: A Call for Theory
Authors: Kvan Thomas
Published: March 2020

The future of urban design is implicitly connected with datasets. Thomas Kvan, founding director of AURIN, a national digital infrastructure to support urban research, and Professor of Architecture at the University of Melbourne, argues that architects have already lost ground to data scientists in this respect. The architectural profession and its education system must embrace urban data analysis as input for urban and building design of the future.
Ballistic Impact Response of Al0.1CoCrFeNi High‐Entropy Alloy
Authors: Muskeri Saideep , Choudhuri Deep , Jannotti Philip A. , Schuster Brian E. , Lloyd Jeffrey T. , Mishra Rajiv S. , Mukherjee Sundeep
Published: March 2020

High‐entropy alloys, consisting of multiple principal elements, represent a new paradigm in structural alloy design with excellent mechanical properties and potentially promising ballistic performance. Herein, the ballistic response of a single‐phase Al0.1CoCrFeNi high‐entropy alloy is evaluated with spherical E52100 steel (RC60) projectiles at velocities ranging from 500 to 1000 m s−1 at normal obliquity, indicating failure by ductile–hole growth. A wide range of microstructural features are observed corresponding to varying degrees of deformation and the corresponding hardness maps are obtained. The microstructure in the partially penetrated condition is dominated by microbanding and microtwinning close to the crater wall. With striking velocity that result in plugging but not complete penetration, the deformation is dominated by twinning and crack initiation around adiabatic shear bands close to the exit hole. A high density of localized adiabatic shear bands and recrystallized grains are observed at impact velocities corresponding to full penetration. Highly deformed areas near the crater wall and narrow zones around shear bands show the maximum hardness, indicating significant work hardening of the material during penetration.
Design Principles for Aqueous Interactive Materials: Lessons from Small Molecules and Stimuli‐Responsive Systems
Authors: McCune Jade A. , Mommer Stefan , Parkins Christopher C. , Scherman Oren A.
Published: March 2020

Interactive materials are at the forefront of current materials research with few examples in the literature. Researchers are inspired by nature to develop materials that can modulate and adapt their behavior in accordance with their surroundings. Stimuli‐responsive systems have been developed over the past decades which, although often described as “smart,” lack the ability to act autonomously. Nevertheless, these systems attract attention on account of the resultant materials' ability to change their properties in a predicable manner. These materials find application in a plethora of areas including drug delivery, artificial muscles, etc. Stimuli‐responsive materials are serving as the precursors for next‐generation interactive materials. Interest in these systems has resulted in a library of well‐developed chemical motifs; however, there is a fundamental gap between stimuli‐responsive and interactive materials. In this perspective, current state‐of‐the‐art stimuli‐responsive materials are outlined with a specific emphasis on aqueous macroscopic interactive materials. Compartmentalization, critical for achieving interactivity, relies on hydrophobic, hydrophilic, supramolecular, and ionic interactions, which are commonly present in aqueous systems and enable complex self‐assembly processes. Relevant examples of aqueous interactive materials that do exist are given, and design principles to realize the next generation of materials with embedded autonomous function are suggested.
Single‐Junction Organic Photovoltaic Cells with Approaching 18% Efficiency
Authors: Cui Yong , Yao Huifeng , Zhang Jianqi , Xian Kaihu , Zhang Tao , Hong Ling , Wang Yuming , Xu Ye , Ma Kangqiao , An Cunbin , He Chang , Wei Zhixiang , Gao Feng , Hou Jianhui
Published: March 2020

Optimizing the molecular structures of organic photovoltaic (OPV) materials is one of the most effective methods to boost power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). For an excellent molecular system with a certain conjugated skeleton, fine tuning the alky chains is of considerable significance to fully explore its photovoltaic potential. In this work, the optimization of alkyl chains is performed on a chlorinated nonfullerene acceptor (NFA) named BTP‐4Cl‐BO (a Y6 derivative) and very impressive photovoltaic parameters in OPV cells are obtained. To get more ordered intermolecular packing, the n‐undecyl is shortened at the edge of BTP‐eC11 to n‐nonyl and n‐heptyl. As a result, the NFAs of BTP‐eC9 and BTP‐eC7 are synthesized. The BTP‐eC7 shows relatively poor solubility and thus limits its application in device fabrication. Fortunately, the BTP‐eC9 possesses good solubility and, at the same time, enhanced electron transport property than BTP‐eC11. Significantly, due to the simultaneously enhanced short‐circuit current density and fill factor, the BTP‐eC9‐based single‐junction OPV cells record a maximum PCE of 17.8% and get a certified value of 17.3%. These results demonstrate that minimizing the alkyl chains to get suitable solubility and enhanced intermolecular packing has a great potential in further improving its photovoltaic performance.
A Bioinspired Hierarchical Underwater Superoleophobic Surface with Reversible pH Response
Authors: Huang Xia , Mutlu Hatice , Theato Patrick
Published: March 2020

The development of oil‐repellent surfaces in liquid environments has received considerable attention because of the urgent demand for antifouling coatings in marine industry. Inspired by the unique nanostructure surface of filefish scale, hierarchical films that consist of poly(pentafluorophenyl acrylate) free standing micropillars grafted with pH responsive poly(methacrylic acid) nanobrushes are fabricated by anodic aluminum oxide templating method combined with a subsequent post‐polymerization modification strategy. The obtained films exhibit constantly underwater superoleophobicity, furthermore, a pH sensitive functionality, which enables reversible switching between low and high oil adhesion as a result of the adjustable oil sliding angle. This particular study provides a very mild method for the facile fabrication of bioinspired nanostructures with excellent oil‐repellent performance and switchable oil‐adhesion properties, thus paving the way toward novel functional materials with smart structures for promising applications, such as smart microfluidics, controllable bioadhesion, and intelligent materials for oil removal treatment and marine antifouling.
Dielectric Microsphere Coupled to a Plasmonic Nanowire: A Self‐Assembled Hybrid Optical Antenna
Authors: Tiwari Sunny , Taneja Chetna , Sharma Vandana , Vasista Adarsh Bhaskar , Paul Diptabrata , Pavan Kumar G. V.
Published: March 2020

Hybrid mesoscale structures that can combine dielectric optical resonances with plasmon‐polariton waves are of interest in chip‐scale nano‐optical communication and sensing. This experimental study shows how a fluorescent microsphere coupled to a silver nanowire can act as a remotely excited optical antenna. To realize this architecture, self‐assembly methodology is used to couple a fluorescent silica microsphere to a single silver nanowire. By exciting propagating surface plasmon polaritons at one end of the nanowire, remote excitation of the Stokes‐shifted whispering gallery modes (WGMs) of the microsphere is achieved. The WGM‐mediated fluorescence emission from the system is studied using Fourier plane optical microscopy, and the polar and azimuthal emission angles of the antenna are quantified. Interestingly, the thickness of the silver nanowires is shown to have direct ramification on the angular emission pattern, thus providing a design parameter to tune antenna characteristics. Furthermore, by employing 3D numerical simulations, electric near‐field of the gap junction between the microsphere and the nanowire is simulated and is transformed into far field. This work provides a self‐assembled optical antenna that combines dielectric optical resonances with propagating plasmons and can be harnessed in hybrid nonlinear nanophotonics and single‐molecule remote sensing.
Hybrid Membranes Dispersed with Superhydrophilic TiO2 Nanotubes Toward Ultra‐Stable and High‐Performance Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Ye Jiaye , Zhao Xiaoli , Ma Yanlong , Su Jun , Xiang Chengjie , Zhao Kaiqi , Ding Mei , Jia Chuankun , Sun Lidong
Published: March 2020

The vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) is a large‐scale energy storage technique and has been regarded as a promising candidate to integrate intermittent renewable energy with the grid. Its long‐term stability has so far been limited by the core component, an ion exchange membrane with low ion selectivity. Here a hybrid membrane with superhydrophilic TiO2 nanotubes dispersed in a Nafion matrix is reported. The VRFB single cell with the hybrid membrane exhibits an impressive performance with high coulombic efficiency (CE, ≈98.3%) and outstanding energy efficiency (EE, ≈84.4%) at 120 mA cm−2, which is higher than that of the commercial Nafion 212 membrane (CE, ≈94.5%; EE, ≈79.2%). More importantly, the cell maintains a discharge capacity of ≈55.7% after 1400 cycles (over 518 h), in obvious contrast to that of ≈20% after only 410 cycles for the one using commercial Nafion 212. This is attributed to the high ion selectivity of the hybrid membrane, because of, 1) the blocked and elongated ion diffusion pathway induced by the dispersed nanotubes and 2) binding and alignment of the sulfonic acid groups on nanotube surface. The high‐performance membranes may also find important applications in other fields, such as fuel cells, dialytic batteries, and water treatment.
Optimization of food deprivation and sucrose preference test in SD rat model undergoing chronic unpredictable mild stress
Authors: He Li‐Wen , Zeng Li , Tian Na , Li Yi , He Tong , Tan Dong‐Mei , Zhang Qian , Tan Yi
Published: March 2020

Background

The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model has long been considered the best model for exploring the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying depression. However, there are no widely recognised standards for strategies for modeling and for behavioral testing. The present study aimed to optimize the protocols for food deprivation and the sucrose preference test (SPT) for the CUMS model.

Methods

We first evaluated the effects of different long periods of food deprivation on the body weight of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats by testing food deprivation for 24 hours (8:00‐8:00+), food deprivation for 12 hours during the daytime (8:00‐20:00) and food deprivation for 12 hours at night (20:00‐8:00+). Next, we established a SD rat CUMS model with 15 different stimulations, and used body weight measurement, SPT, forced swim test (FST), open field test (OFT) and Morris water maze (MWM) test to verify the success of the modeling. In the SPT, consumption of sucrose and pure water within 1 and 12 hours was measured.

Results

Twelve hours of food deprivation during the daytime (8:00‐20:00) had no effect on body weight, while 12 hours of food deprivation at night (20:00‐8:00+) and 24 hours of food deprivation (8:00‐8:00+) significantly reduced the mean body weight of the SD rats. When SPT was used to verify the successful establishment of the CUMS rat model, sucrose consumption measured within 12 hours was less variable than that measured within 1 hour.

Conclusions

Twelve hours of food deprivation in the daytime (8:00‐20:00) may be considered a mild stimulus for the establishment of a CUMS rat model. Measuring sucrose consumption over 12 hours is recommended for SPT.
Why Is AUG the Start Codon?
Authors: Demongeot Jacques , Seligmann Hervé
Published: March 2020

The rational design of theoretical minimal RNA rings predetermines AUG as the universal start codon. This design maximizes coded amino acid diversity over minimal sequence length, defining in silico theoretical minimal RNA rings, candidate ancestral genes. RNA rings code for 21 amino acids and a stop codon after three consecutive translation rounds, and form a degradation‐delaying stem‐loop hairpin. Twenty‐five RNA rings match these constraints, ten start with the universal initiation codon AUG. No first codon bias exists among remaining RNA rings. RNA ring design predetermines AUG as initiation codon. This is the only explanation yet for AUG as start codon. RNA ring design determines additional RNA ring gene‐ and tRNA‐like properties described previously, because it presumably mimics constraints on life's primordial RNAs.
An undergraduate course on model‐based system engineering for embedded systems
Authors: Rashid Muhammad
Published: March 2020

Model‐based system engineering (MBSE) is becoming an industrial standard to design embedded systems. Therefore, its integration in electrical and computer engineering education is critical. This article presents an undergraduate course on MBSE for embedded systems through the formulation of course learning outcomes, identification of the course contents, and the construction of a holistic view for the contents. The holistic view of the course binds the contents by providing the modeling methodology, the transformation engine, and the simulation environment of an end‐to‐end framework. Furthermore, students obtain integrated design experience, through problem‐based learning, using three case studies. Assessment through quantitative evaluation and students' feedback show the viability of the presented course.
Nitroreductase‐Mediated Release of Inhibitors of Lysine‐Specific Demethylase 1 (LSD1) from Prodrugs in Transfected Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Cells
Authors: Herrlinger Eva‐Maria , Hau Mirjam , Redhaber Desiree Melanie , Greve Gabriele , Willmann Dominica , Steimle Simon , Müller Michael , Lübbert Michael , Miething Christoph Cornelius , Schüle Roland , Jung Manfred
Published: March 2020

Lysine‐specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) has evolved as a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment, especially in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). To approach the challenge of site‐specific LSD1 inhibition, we developed an enzyme‐prodrug system with the bacterial nitroreductase NfsB (NTR) that was expressed in the virally transfected AML cell line THP1‐NTR+. The cellular activity of the NTR was proven with a new luminescent NTR probe. We synthesised a diverse set of nitroaromatic prodrugs that by design do not affect LSD1 and are reduced by the NTR to release an active LSD1 inhibitor. The emerging side products were differentially analysed using negative controls, thereby revealing cytotoxic effects. The 2‐nitroimidazolyl prodrug of a potent LSD1 inhibitor emerged as one of the best prodrug candidates with a pronounced selectivity window between wild‐type and transfected THP1 cells. Our prodrugs are selectively activated and release the LSD1 inhibitor locally, proving their suitability for future targeting approaches.
Thrombotic Microangiopathy in Interferon‐beta‐Treated Multiple Sclerosis Patient
Authors: Malekzadeh Masoud Mohammad , Alizadeh Reza , Aghsaeifard Ziba , Sahraian Mohammad Ali
Published: March 2020

A 43‐year‐old man who was treated with interferon‐beta for multiple sclerosis was presented with hypertension, headache, nausea/vomiting, blurred vision, and renal dysfunction. The treatment with drugs and dialysis relieved the symptoms. Despite plasmapheresis is known to cause improvement in renal function, no such improvement was seen in patient.
Direct‐Contact Heat Transfer during n‐Pentane Vaporization in a Two‐Dimensional Water Column
Authors: Fu Hailing , Ma Lianjie , Wang Haiyan
Published: March 2020

Direct‐contact vaporization heat transfer is investigated by analyzing the heat transfer coefficient with the area of liquid‐liquid direct‐contact interface. The interface areas of liquid‐liquid heat transfer are determined by stroboscopic images. At higher temperature, the heat transfer area per unit volume decreases. The water temperature has no significant influence on the heat transfer coefficient. The effects on droplet size distributions of operating variables including inlet water temperature, n‐pentane flow rate, and test position with packing and without packing are compared.
Performance Modelling of the Bioelectrochemical Glycerol Oxidation by a Co‐Culture of Geobacter Sulfurreducens and Raoultella Electrica
Authors: Kubannek Fabian , Thiel Simone , Bunk Boyke , Huber Katharina , Overmann Jörg , Krewer Ulrike , Biedendieck Rebekka , Jahn Dieter
Published: March 2020

An effectively operating microbial electrolysis cell requires an inexpensive electron donor in combination with a defined and stable electron‐transferring microbial community. Here, a defined co‐culture of Raoultella electrica and Geobacter sulfurreducens was established to generate current during glycerol oxidation. Maximum current densities of 0.20 mA cm−2 and coulombic efficiencies of 21 % were achieved. Glycerol metabolization into acetate by R. electrica and further acetate utilization by the current‐producing G. sulfurreducens were detected. Based on these observations, a physico‐chemical model was established and used to describe quantitatively the relationships between current density, metabolite concentrations and bacterial growth. The competition for acetate between G. sulfurreducens and R. electrica was identified as the major limitation of the system. This detailed quantitative understanding of the physiological interactions opens the door for target‐oriented genetic engineering of the microbes.
Liquid‐Phase Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanostructured Materials and Their Applications
Authors: Li Heng , Zhu Ying‐Jie
Published: March 2020

Owing to their high natural abundance, low cost, easy availability, and excellent magnetic properties, considerable interest has been devoted to the synthesis and applications of iron oxide nanostructured materials. Liquid‐phase synthesis methods are economical and environmentally friendly with low energy consumption and volatile emissions, and as such have received much attention for the preparation of iron oxide nanostructured materials. Herein, the liquid‐phase synthesis methods of iron oxide nanostructured materials including the co‐precipitation method, microemulsion method, conventional hydrothermal and solvothermal methods, microwave‐assisted heating method, sonolysis method, and other methods are summarized and reviewed. Many iron oxide nanostructured materials, self‐assembled nanostructures, and nanocomposites have been successfully prepared, which are of great significance to enhance their structure‐dependent properties and applications. The specific roles of liquid‐phase chemical reaction parameters in regulating the chemical composition, structure, crystallinity, morphology, particle size, and dispersive behavior of the as‐prepared iron oxide nanostructured materials are emphasized. The biomedical, environmental, and electrochemical energy storage applications of iron oxide nanostructured materials are discussed. Finally, challenges and perspectives are proposed for future investigations on the liquid‐phase synthesis and applications of iron oxide nanostructured materials.
Developing Wide Bandgap Polymers Based on Sole Benzodithiophene Units for Efficient Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Xu Xiaopeng , Lee Young Woong , Woo Han Young , Li Ying , Peng Qiang
Published: March 2020

In this work, a series of sole benzodithiophene‐based wide band gap polymer donors, namely PBDTT, PBDTS, PBDTF and PBDTCl, were developed for efficient polymer solar cells (PSCs) by varying the heteroatoms into the conjugated side chains. The effects of sulfuration, fluorination and chlorination were also investigated systematically on the overall properties of these BDT‐based polymers. The HOMO levels could be lowered gradually by introducing sulfur, fluorine and chlorine atoms into the side chains, which contributed to the stepwise increased Voc (from 0.78 V to 0.84 V) in the related PSCs using Y6 as the electron acceptor. This side‐chain engineering strategy could promote the polymer chain interactions and fine‐tune the phase separation of active blends, leading to enhanced absorption, ordered molecular packing and crystallinity. Among them, the chlorinated PBDTCl exhibited not only high level absorption and crystallinity, but also the most balanced hole/electron charge transport and the most optimized morphology, giving rise to the best PCE of 13.46 % with a Voc of 0.84 V, a Jsc of 23.16 mA cm−2 and an FF of 69.2 %. The chlorination strategy afforded PBDTCl synthetic simplicity but high efficiency, showing its promising photovoltaic applications for realizing low‐cost practical PSCs in near future.
Hit to Leads with Cytotoxic Effect in Leukemic Cells: Total Synthesis Intermediates as a Molecule Treasure Chest
Authors: Bjørsvik Hans‐René , Gjertsen Bjørn Tore , Elumalai Vijayaragavan
Published: March 2020

A previously designed and developed 12‐step total synthesis that includes [1,1′‐biphenyl]‐2‐amine and carbazole intermediates and that ultimately produces the carbazole alkaloid carbazomycin G was exploited as a screening compound library with the goal of identifying potential lead compound(s) with cytotoxic effect. These compounds were investigated by using in‐vitro tests involving the two human cell lines HL‐60 and MOLM‐13, which both model acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The in‐vitro biological test results were used together with the molecular structures of the various intermediates in a concise SAR analysis. Several of the intermediates revealed cytotoxicity (IC50<10−4 M), although the final natural product carbazomycin G did not reveal cytotoxicity versus the two said human cell lines.
Current applications of molecular testing on body cavity fluids
Authors: Pinto Daniel , Schmitt Fernando
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Effusion cytology has a high sensitivity for the diagnosis of malignancy and provides abundant material for molecular testing. Effusion draining is a minimally invasive procedure with few complications.

Materials and methods

We performed a review of publications regarding the use of molecular testing in serous effusions.

Results

In diagnostics, BAP‐1 IHC and CDKN2A FISH are powerful tools for the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. FISH, PCR, and EBER‐ISH work well in lymphomas. RT‐PCR may enhance the diagnosis of secondary epithelial malignancies. In theranostics, molecular testing on serous effusions is widely reported for the detection of alterations in genes related to lung carcinomas, such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and BRAF. PD‐L1 expression testing by immunohistochemistry (IHC) also seems to be viable in this type of sample. HER2 FISH and IHC provide actionable results in the context of breast malignancies. Results in serous effusions seem to be equivalent to tissue biopsies for most applications and across different molecular techniques. The most interesting technology is next‐generation sequencing (NGS), given its ability to sequence multiple genes on a single sample and the decreasing costs that have closely followed increasing throughputs. Cell‐free DNA from effusion supernatants might be the most promising area for future research, showing superiority to serum and even to cell‐block samples in limited studies.

Conclusions

Molecular tests are viable in serous effusion specimens when sufficient material is available. Given the rising importance of molecular testing we expect this to be an active field of research in the near future.
COVID‐19 treatment by repurposing drugs until the vaccine is in sight
Authors: Phadke Mrudula , Saunik Sujata
Published: March 2020

Corona virus disease (COVID‐19) has created pandemic in the world as declared by WHO on March 12, 2020. It is a viral disease caused by SARS‐CoV 2 virus and has affected large populations in over 120 countries. There is no specific treatment available and management is empirical. Until such time that an effective vaccine is available for COVID‐19 viral infection, one can repurpose known therapeutic drug molecules such as angiotensin receptor 2 blocker, a commonly used antihypertensive drug, to control COVID‐19 virus from gaining entry into the host cell by blocking the angiotensin receptor. Clinical trials should also be undertaken to use statins, which are lipid‐lowering drugs but have anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties to prevent acute lung injury in COVID‐19 infection.
Infants’ recognition of their mothers’ faces in facial drawings
Authors: Kobayashi Megumi , Kakigi Ryusuke , Kanazawa So , Yamaguchi Masami K.
Published: March 2020

This study examined the development of ability to recognize familiar face in drawings in infants aged 6–8 months. In Experiment 1, we investigated infants’ recognition of their mothers’ faces by testing their visual preference for their mother’s face over a stranger’s face under three conditions: photographs, cartoons produced by online software that simplifies and enhances the contours of facial features of line drawings, and veridical line drawings. We found that 7‐ and 8‐month‐old infants showed a significant preference for their mother’s face in photographs and cartoons, but not in veridical line drawings. In contrast, 6‐month‐old infants preferred their mother’s face only in photographs. In Experiment 2, we investigated a visual preference for an upright face over an inverted face for cartoons and veridical line drawings in 6‐ to 8‐month‐old infants, finding that infants aged older than 6 months showed the inversion effect in face preference in both cartoons and veridical line drawings. Our results imply that the ability to utilize the enhanced information of a face to recognize familiar faces may develop aged around 7 months of age.
An overview and experimental analysis of furniture fire safety regulations in Europe
Authors: Guillaume Eric , de Feijter Rene , van Gelderen Laurens
Published: March 2020

The regulation requirements for upholstered furniture are nationally defined and lead to very different safety levels across Europe. This paper studies the fire performance of upholstered furniture across Europe and demonstrates the differences in the fire safety of sofas in different countries. Real sofas were purchased over Europe and tested first alone then for several of them in a room scenario. The fire performance of such upholstered furniture is related to their constitution and possibly to the improvement of their performance by physical and/or chemical means. Results are presented from a performance point of view and not focusing on the different technical solutions that can be envisaged, such as fire barriers or flame retardants. The results clearly show the effect of stricter regulations, not necessarily on the maximum heat release but mainly on the time available to escape, which is critical in many fire scenarios. Such regulations may have a positive effect, but they have to be performance‐based, evaluated properly, and implemented considering market surveillance.
Late Neoarchean granites in the Qixingtai region, western Shandong: Further evidence for the recycling of early Neoarchean juvenile crust in the North China Craton
Authors: Bai Wenqian , Dong Chunyan , Song Zhiyong , Nutman Allen P. , Xie Hangqiang , Wang Shijin , Liu Shoujie , Xie Shiwen , Li Yuan , Liu Dunyi , Wan Yusheng
Published: March 2020

The Neoarchean basement rocks of the Qixingtai region in the northwest of western Shandong, eastern North China Craton are divided into western and eastern domains, separated by a ductile shear zone. The western domain is mainly composed of early Neoarchean tonalitic and supracrustal rocks, and the eastern domain is composed of late Neoarchean crustally‐derived granite with diverse early Neoarchean enclaves up to several kilometres long of supracrustal and gneissic TTG‐diorite rocks. This study reports an integrated field, whole‐rock geochemistry and zircon U–Pb‐Hf study on the granites and their enclaves in the eastern domain. The supracrustal enclaves are mainly composed of meta‐basaltic and meta‐ultramafic rocks and are the same in lithological association and formation time as the 2,750–2,700 Ma Liuhang “Formation” in the western area. The TTG‐diorite enclaves can be divided into early and late groups. Magmatic zircons from early TTG‐diorite samples have U–Pb ages of 2,731 ± 17 to 2,748 ± 13 Ma and εHf(t) values of +2.7 to +9.5, whereas trondhjemite samples of the late group have U–Pb zircon ages of 2,588 ± 18 to 2,606 ± 12 Ma and εHf(t) values of +0.6 to +6.5. The Hf isotopic signatures on magmatic zircon from the >2,700 Ma diorite‐tonalites indicate that they are predominantly juvenile crustal additions, probably with minor involvement of older crust in their genesis, as given by tDM (Hf) ages ranging back to 2.92 Ga. The eastern granites range from monzogranite to syenogranite in composition and commonly have negative Eu anomalies, indicating residual plagioclase in the source region. Magmatic zircons from two granite samples have U–Pb ages of 2,516 ± 24 and 2,527 ± 18 Ma and εHf(t) values of +1.0 to +7.0. A fine‐grained syenogranite dyke contains inherited early Neoarchean zircons with εHf(t) values of +1.6 to +7.4. The isotopic signatures of the late Neoarchean granites that dominate the eastern domain show that they were derived from partial melting recycling of older continental crust recognized in the region – early Neoarchean rocks formed as a result of juvenile crustal additions. This is a common signature for late Archean crustal evolution throughout much of the North China Craton, and is the hallmark of some other Archean terranes, such as the Dharwar Craton of south India. The geodynamic explanations for the formation globally of vast amounts of crustally‐derived late Neoarchean granite are discussed.
Pharmacy practice faculty and preceptor development
Authors: Haase Krystal K. , Crannage Erica F. , Orlando Patricia L. , Lee Mary , Martello Jay L. , Stamm Pamela L. , Wargo Kurt A. , Kiser Katie L. , Fleischman Megan E.
Published: March 2020

Faculty development is a priority for colleges and schools of pharmacy for both corporate and individual success. Recommendations in the 2008 American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) position statement and white paper on faculty development remain relevant today. However, changes in educational standards, delivery of pharmacy education, and faculty and learners have prompted an update of the 2008 documents. This 2020 white paper focuses on three components: preceptor development, updates in pharmacy practice faculty development, and program formation and implementation. The paper provides evidence and recommendations for preceptor development and summarizes the literature updates related to pharmacy practice faculty development in several areas, including teaching, practice, and research. This update explores additional topics not emphasized in the previous paper, including faculty well‐being, holistic career‐long development, and challenges with implementing and assessing development programs.