bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of rapid glacier retreat and landscape transformation in controlling the post‐Little Ice Age evolution of paraglacial coasts in central Spitsbergen (Billefjorden, Svalbard)
Authors: Strzelecki Mateusz C. , Long Antony J. , Lloyd Jeremy M. , Małecki Jakub , Zagórski Piotr , Pawłowski Łukasz , Jaskólski Marek W.
Published: March 2018

In Svalbard, the rapid glacier retreat observed since the end of the Little Ice Age (LIA) has transformed the geomorphology and sediment budgets of glacial forelands, river valleys, and slope systems. To date, relatively little information exists regarding the impact of such a profound glacial landscape degradation on the evolution of coastal environment. This paper addresses this deficiency by detailing the post‐LIA sediment fluxes to the coastal zone in Billefjorden, central Spitsbergen (Svalbard). We analysed the response of the gravel‐dominated barrier coast to the decay of Ferdinandbreen, one of the fastest retreating glaciers in the region. Glacier retreat resulted in the development of paraglacial sediment cascade where eroded and reworked glacigenic sediments progressed through alluvial fans to the coast, thus feeding gravel‐dominated spit systems in Petuniabukta. We demonstrated that the coastal systems in central Spitsbergen responded abruptly to post‐LIA climatic changes. The acceleration of coastal erosion and associated spit development was coincident with rapid climate warming that dates from the 1980s and has been associated with longer ice‐free periods and activation of multiple sediment supply sources from the deglaciated landscape. In colder phases of post‐LIA period, coastal zone development was subdued and strongly dependent on the efficiency of sediment transport via in a longshore drift. Finally, we discuss the differences in the post‐LIA coastal responses between central Spitsbergen and western Spitsbergen highlighting the efficiency of paraglacial sediment delivery from land to the coast controlled by the state of glacial systems, bedrock topography, and development of river channels.
Addition of silver nanoparticles has no long‐term effects on natural phytoplankton community dynamics in a boreal lake
Authors: Conine Andrea L. , Rearick Daniel C. , Paterson Michael J. , Xenopoulos Marguerite A. , Frost Paul C.
Published: March 2018

Lake phytoplankton communities are dynamic with well‐documented seasonal variability in taxonomic composition and biomass. However, this variability has been largely overlooked when assessing the risk posed to aquatic ecosystems by the antimicrobial agent, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Here, we report results from a whole lake AgNP addition study at the IISD‐Experimental Lakes Area that assessed the effects of AgNPs on phytoplankton. Phytoplankton communities were largely unaffected in terms of taxonomy, pigment concentration, and biomass by AgNP additions. These negative toxicological results are due to community changes being more strongly affected by natural processes, such as temperature and dissolved nutrients. We conclude that AgNP exposure at environmentally relevant concentrations for 2 yr did not affect phytoplankton communities in boreal lakes, which emphasizes the importance of incorporating natural variability into analyses that attempt to determine the effect of contaminants on aquatic ecosystems.
Change in BMI Distribution over a 24‐Year Period and Associated Socioeconomic Gradients: A Quantile Regression Analysis
Authors: Gebremariam Mekdes K. , Arah Onyebuchi A. , Lien Nanna , Naess Oyvind , Ariansen Inger , Kjollesdal Marte K.
Published: March 2018

Objective

This study assessed the change in body mass index (BMI) distribution among 18‐ or 19‐year‐olds over 24 years. It also investigated parallel changes in the distribution of birth weight and in the association between birth weight and later risk of overweight and/or obesity. Parental educational variations in the trends and associations were explored.

Methods

The study used data on 606,832 male military conscripts enlisted between 1985 and 2008. Quantile regression was used to assess the temporal change in BMI and birth weight distribution. The association between birth weight and overweight and/or obesity at age 18 or 19 years was quantified by using logistic regression.

Results

Increases in BMI over time were found namely in the 90th, 95th, 97th, and 99th percentiles. Socioeconomic differences in this increase were documented in the 75th to 97th percentiles. The distribution of birth weight and the association between birth weight and the risk of overweight and/or obesity at age 18 or 19 years remained stable over time.

Conclusions

The difference in the increase in BMI between low and high percentiles indicates the limited role of mean BMI in reflecting population changes. The results suggest a need to focus on those with low socioeconomic position in the upper ends of the BMI distribution to combat increasing disparities in obesity‐related outcomes.
Oxygen barrier, free volume, and blending properties of polyamide 12/poly (vinyl alcohol) blends
Authors: Huang Ya‐qiong , Wu Jia‐wei , Li Gang , Li Hong‐bo , Wang Da‐wei , Runt James , Yeh Jen‐taut
Published: March 2018

Oxygen permeation rates, average volumes of free‐volume‐cavities (Vf), and fractional free volumes (Fv) of polyamide 12 (PA12)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) (ie, PA12xPVA05y, PA12xPVA08y, and PA12xPVA14y) blend films with varying PVA degrees of polymerization reduced to a minimum value when their PVA contents reached a corresponding optimal value, respectively. The minimum oxygen permeation rates, Vf, and Fv values obtained for the optimal PA12xPVAzy blown films were reduced considerably with decreasing PVA degrees of polymerization. Experimental findings from dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, wide angle X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of the PA12xPVAzy blend series suggest that PA12 and PVA in PA12xPVAzy are miscible to some extent at the molecular level when their PVA contents are near and less than the corresponding critical values. The considerably enhanced oxygen barrier properties of the PA12xPVAzy blend films with optimized compositions are attributed to the significantly reduced local free volume characteristics.
Size‐Dependent Electrical and Thermal Properties of Onion‐Like Carbons/Polyurethane Composites
Authors: Kranauskaite Ieva , Macutkevic Jan , Banys Juras , Kuznetsov Vladimir , Letellier Maxime , Fierro Vanessa , Celzard Alain , Shenderova Olga
Published: March 2018

Results of dielectric/electrical studies of onion‐like carbon (OLC)/polyurethane composite films in very broad frequency (20 Hz–3 THz) and temperature (26–300 K) ranges are presented. We show that the percolation threshold in these composites strictly depends on OLC aggregate size and is lower for composites having smaller OLC aggregates. The electrical conductivity in the composites is mainly due to electron tunneling between OLC clusters and quasi‐one‐dimensional hopping inside the clusters. The thermal diffusivity increases with OLC concentration and, as for electrical conductivity, is the highest for composites having the smallest OLC aggregates. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1834–E1840, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Multiple shape memory behaviors of natural Eucommia ulmoides rubber and polybutene‐1 composites
Authors: Wang Yan , Geng Jieting , Xia Lin , Xin Zhenxiang
Published: March 2018

We fabricated a series of novel shape memory composites using natural Eucommia ulmoides rubber (EUR) and polybutene‐1 (PB‐1) as basic materials for the first time. The shape memory composites were prepared via simple physical blending and chemical crosslinking methods with co‐continuous architecture and multiple shape memory behaviors. These composites and their preparation methods might be widely used in the field of heat shrinkable tubes. We studied the mechanical, thermal and shape memory properties of the composites, and proposed schemes to explain their dual and triple shape memory effects. In the EUR/PB‐1 composites, both the crosslinking network of the composites and crystalline regions of PB‐1 could function as the fixed domain, and the crystalline zones of EUR and PB‐1 could act as the reversible domain individually or jointly. The composites exhibited excellent dual shape memory properties with blending ratios of 90/10 and 80/20, and good triple shape memory properties with blending ratios of 70/30 and 60/40. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhancing antibacterial properties of polypropylene/Cu‐loaded montmorillonite nanocomposite filaments through sheath–core morphology
Authors: Roy Anasuya , Joshi Mangala
Published: March 2018

Polypropylene (PP) loaded with copper‐exchanged montmorillonite (Cu‐MMT) nanocomposite filaments and films with excellent antimicrobial activity have been reported for the first time. A sheath–core morphology filament in which only the sheath contains Cu‐MMT was prepared for maximizing bioactivity. Sodium MMT clay was modified to acid‐activated MMT and further to Cu‐MMT via an ion exchange process. The exchange operation was confirmed using wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) which suggested increased interlayer spacing and confirmed the loading of copper in Cu‐MMT. Further, Cu‐MMT was melt‐mixed in PP in the form of PP/Cu‐MMT nanocomposite filament, film and sheath–core morphology PP/Cu‐MMT nanocomposite filament. The surface morphology and elemental composition of the nanocomposites were studied using scanning electron microscopy coupled with EDX. Transmission electron micrographs were obtained to understand the dispersion characteristics of Cu‐MMT phase in PP. X‐ray diffraction analysis of nanocomposites suggested increased crystallinity at lower loading due to heterogeneous nucleating action of MMT. The PP nanocomposite filaments and films were tested for antimicrobial activity against Gram‐negative bacterium Escherichia coli, which is the main pathogenic bacterium found abundantly in water, and were found to exhibit excellent antimicrobial activity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The influence of short chain branch on formation of shish‐kebab crystals in bimodal polyethylene under shear at high temperatures
Authors: Wang Zongbao , Mao Yimin , Jarumaneeroj Chatchai , Thitisak Boonyakeat , Tiyapiboonchaiya Piyawan , Rungswang Wonchalerm , Hsiao Benjamin S.
Published: March 2018

Formation of shish‐kebab crystals due to the coil–stretch transition under shear in the molten state using a bimodal polyethylene system with high molecular weight (HMW) fraction having different branch content was investigated. In specific, in situ small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) techniques were used to study the structure evolution of shish‐kebab crystals at high temperatures under simple shear. The SAXS results revealed that with the increase of branch content, shish‐kebab crystals became more stable at high temperatures (e.g., 139 °C). However, the shish length of the bimodal PE containing 0.11% branch was shorter than that with no branch. The WAXD results showed that the degree of crystallization for bimodal PE with HMW fraction having 0.11% branch increased with time but reached a plateau value of 1%, while that with no branch increased continuously till 11%. Furthermore, the crystal orientation of bimodal PE with HMW fraction having 0.11% branch was above 0.9 and maintained at a constant value, while that with no branch decreased from 0.9 to 0.1 upon relaxation. This study indicates that even though the crystallizability of the HMW fraction with branch content decreased, they could effectively stabilize the shear‐induced crystalline structure with shorter shish‐kebab crystals. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 786–794
Assessment of self‐reporting reading of medicine's labels and the resources of information about medicines in general public in Malaysia
Authors: Dawood Omar T. , Hassali Mohamed A. , Saleem Fahad , Ibrahim Inas R.
Published: March 2018

This study was undertaken to assess the people's self‐reported reading of medicine labels and its associated factors and to assess the sources of information about medicines among general public. A cross‐sectional study was carried out among general public in the State of Penang, Malaysia. A total of 888 participants were conveniently selected and completed the survey. A self‐administered questionnaire was used to obtain the data from all the participants. Most of the participants (74.2%) reported that they have adequate information about medicines provided on their medicine labels. In addition, 86.9% of them reported that they read their medicine's label for the directions of usage and 84.3% for the dosage instruction. However, 42.1% of the participants do not read their medicine's label for the active ingredients, and 33% of them do not read their medicine's label for the safety information. In addition, 36.5% of the respondents did not read the label of medicine for the symptoms which can be used for. However, females, Malay respondents, and higher education level (college/university) were more likely to self‐reported the reading medicine's label. Females were more likely to read the labels of medicines compared with males (OR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.20‐2.13, P = .001). The reading of medicine labels was predicted by females, Malay respondents, and higher educated people. Health educational programs are needed to clarify label's information that can help in concept of patient safety.
Influence of post‐annealing on a diamondlike carbon film analyzed by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Takabayashi Susumu , Okamoto Keishi , Nakatani Tatsuyuki
Published: March 2018

The influence of a post‐annealing treatment on the chemical structure of a diamondlike carbon (DLC) film was clarified by Raman spectroscopy. The DLC films were synthesized by ionized deposition. The structures were elucidated via Raman analysis in conjunction with the sp2 cluster model. The as‐prepared DLC film consisted of a dielectric matrix including sp3 carbon, where sp2 clusters were floating. When the post‐annealing treatment commenced, especially between 450 and 600°C, carbon─hydrogen bonds were cleaved, and the hydrogen atoms were desorbed from the film, creating defects or dangling bonds. The defects were reactive in growing sp2 clusters that were strained with numerous defects because of the restricted degrees of freedom in the solid. As the post‐annealing temperature further increased, the clusters became dominant and the strain was gradually dissolved.
Development of hybrid adsorbent for effective aqueous phase sorptive removal of copper
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Kim Sun‐Joon , Kim Kang‐Ho , Kurade Mayur B. , Lee Sang‐hun , Oh Sang‐Eun , Roh Hyun‐Seog , Jeon Byong‐Hun
Published: March 2018

Alginate beads (ABs) immobilized with hydrous zirconium oxide (ZO) were used as a hybrid adsorbent (ZO@AB) for the effective removal of copper ions [Cu(II)] from aqueous phase. ZO@AB was characterized using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy to confirm the impregnation of ABs with ZO and the adsorption of Cu(II) onto ZO@AB. The maximum equilibrium sorption capacity of ZO@AB for Cu(II) was 63.1 mg·g−1 at pH 5. The Cu(II) removal rate was high at the beginning of reaction, with >90% adsorption within 24 hours, and equilibrium was achieved within 48 hours. The adsorption of Cu(II) onto ZO@AB was well described by pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model (R2 > 0.99), and the monolayer nature of sorption was supported by the Langmuir model (R2 > 0.99). The sorption process was endothermic, favorable, and spontaneous in nature. Regarding the reusability of the adsorbent, its sorption capacity remained satisfactory (>90%) throughout the 5 consecutive cycles (regeneration in 0.1 mol·L−1 HCl). The stoichiometric ratio of released calcium ions [Ca(II)] to adsorbed copper ions [Cu(II)] was approximately 1:1, confirming that ion exchange was the main mechanism for removal of Cu(II) from aqueous phase. The developed adsorbent (ZO@AB) shows promise as a candidate for the effective and selective removal of Cu(II) from aqueous phase.
Co‐implantation of Er and Yb ions into single‐crystalline and nano‐crystalline diamond
Authors: Cajzl Jakub , Akhetova Banu , Nekvindová Pavla , Macková Anna , Malinský Petr , Oswald Jiří , Remeš Zdeněk , Varga Marián , Kromka Alexander
Published: March 2018

The paper reports on the results of Er‐Yb and Er‐Al co‐implantation into commercial single‐crystalline diamonds as well as into nano‐crystalline diamond (NCD) thin films and their photoluminescence properties. The NCD thin films were deposited on fused silica glass by linear‐antenna microwave plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PE MWCVD). Er implantation was performed at an energy of 190 keV and fluences of 1 × 1015 and 5 × 1015 ions.cm−2 followed by Yb co‐implantation under the same conditions or Al co‐implantation at an energy of 40 keV and the same fluences. The concentration depth profiles of the elements and the degree of their crystal damage (structural ordering) were measured using Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy/channelling, respectively. Structural changes were studied by Raman spectroscopy. All Er‐Yb doped samples revealed measurable photoluminescence at approximately 1.5 μm. A comparison with Er‐implanted samples showed that the Er‐Yb co‐implantation was beneficial for the photoluminescence at 1.5 μm in both substrates. Er‐doped NCD films revealed higher intensity of luminescence than Er‐doped single‐crystal diamond. This observation is attributed to the specific incorporation of Er into the diamond and at the grain boundaries.
Electrochemical characterization of PVA/SA nanofibers obtained by electrospinning processing
Authors: Covelo A. , Gómez K. K. , Corona‐Lira P. , Ramírez‐Reivich A. C. , Hernández M.
Published: March 2018

Sodium alginate (SA), a linear polysaccharide which is present in different forms, is commonly used for tissue engineering. One of the main challenges of using SA in tissue engineering consists of the fabrication of nanoparticles/nanofibres for cell culture scaffolds. Because SA has been developed for medical purposes, it is necessary to measure, among others, the electrochemical properties because they provide information of biological activity related to metabolic behaviour. This work focuses on the measurement, interpretation, and characterization of electrochemical properties by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of SA electrospun fibres mixed with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) at different PVA/SA concentration ratios (3.5, 4, and 5 wt.%). To stabilize the PVA/SA systems, a calcium chloride solution was used for the cross‐linking process. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results show that PVA/SA nanofibres immersed in calcium chloride react instantly and the dielectric properties of the PVA/SA system change until the cross‐linking process is stabilized in time. The overall cross‐linking time depends on the PVA/SA ratio which means, the more SA concentration mixed in PVA solution, the shorter the cross‐linking time needed for a stabilization plateau. The 5 wt.%, PVA/SA gives not only the highest impedance values after cross‐linking treatment, but also the more constant and reproducible electrochemical features in time, in conjunction with a more homogeneous, compact and low porous nanofibre.
Surface and microstructural analyses of a Roman quadrans dating back to first century ad
Authors: de Ruggiero A.C. , Kaciulis S. , Mezzi A. , Montanari R. , Soltani P. , Varone A.
Published: March 2018

The paper reports the results of the analyses performed on a Roman quadrans dating back to the first century ad, belonging to a group of more than 8.000 coins found in the bed of river Tiber during an archaeological research in 1987–1988.

The quadrans was examined by means of X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersion spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Energy dispersion spectroscopy analytical results confirmed that the coin is made of pure copper. The compounds present in the patina have been identified through X‐ray diffraction. The spectrum is the overlapping of several peaks, and the results show that the patina substantially consists of malachite Cu2CO3(OH)2, cupric chloride CuCl2, and nantokite CuCl. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy only evidences nantokite because of the different analysis depths of the two techniques. This means that nantokite forms a thin outer layer in the concretion covering the quadrans.
Nano‐Nickel Aluminates: A Sustainable Nanocatalyst for Solvent‐Free Acetylation of Alcohols Phenols and Amines
Authors: Warkhade Swapnil K. , Chaurasiya Vayu , Rawat Megha , Gaikwad Gayatri S. , Zodape Sangesh P. , Pratap Umesh R. , Wankhade Atul V.
Published: March 2018

Hexagonal normal spinels of nano‐nickel aluminate (NiAl2O4) have been successfully synthesized through a greener microwave assisted technique using urea as a base. The structure and morphology of synthesized nanomaterials were examined by Powder X‐ray Diffraction (PXRD), Field Gun Emissions‐Scanning Electron Microscopy (FEG‐SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Infrared spectroscopic (IR) analysis, which show the polycrystalline asymmetrical nanoparticles ranging in between 10–100 nm with the higher surface area and thermal stability. Furthermore, to explore the potential of nano‐nickel aluminate, we used synthesized nanomaterials as a heterogeneous catalyst for the acetylation of alcohols, phenols and amines. Here, we have developed the greener, efficient, economical and recyclable protocol for acetylation reactions. The nano nickel aluminate shows the good catalytic efficiency for solvent free acetylation of amines, while it exhibits moderate catalytic efficiency in case of alcohols and phenols.
Copper‐Catalyzed Stereoselective Domino Synthesis of (Z)‐3‐Methyleneisoindolin‐1‐one
Authors: Hazarika Debojit , Phukan Prodeep
Published: March 2018

Stereoselective synthesis of (Z)‐3‐methyleneisoindolin‐1‐one has been achieved via intermolecular coupling of terminal alkynes and 2‐halobenzamide using a square pyramidal [Cu(DMAP)4I]I complex as catalyst within a short time. This cross coupling reaction features the use of unprotected 2‐halobenzamide to achieve excellent yield of corresponding isoindolin‐1‐ones with free NH group. The catalyst was also found to be equally active for N‐substituted 2‐halobenzamide, phenyl propiolic acids and silylated alkyne.
TiO2‐Graphene Nanocomposites for Effective Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine‐B Dye
Authors: Gunnagol Raghu M. , Rabinal Mohammad Hussain K.
Published: March 2018

The hazardous Rhodamine‐B dye is photocatalytically degraded by anatase TiO2 and its graphene nanocomposites. These are prepared by a simple electrochemical anodic dissolution of pure titanium in graphene oxide solution, here particle size is tuned by current variation. The structural, morphological and optical properties of these composites are studied by X‐ ray diffraction, UV‐visible spectroscopy, field emission SEM, high resolution TEM and XPS. The photocatalytic activity of Rhodamine‐B in water is studied with visible and UV light irradiation. A significant degradation is observed with 1 wt% of reduced graphene oxide with TiO2 nanoparticles. The stability and reproducibility are tested by recycling the catalyst for more than five times. The results are interpreted in terms of energy band alignment of TiO2‐ graphene interface with respect to energy levels of Rhodamine‐B molecule through water redox potentials. The present work demonstrates that these composites are novel and cost effective in photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine‐B and hence are potential materials for environmental remedy.
Biodiesel Production from Recycled Grease Trap Waste: A Case Study in South Australia. Part 1: The Pre‐Treatment of High Free Fatty Acid Feedstock
Authors: Tran Nghiep N , McMurchie Edward J , Ngothai Yung
Published: March 2018

Grease trap waste (GTW) often has a very high content of free fatty acids (FFA) which requires a pre‐treatment step before it can be converted to biodiesel via the transesterification reaction. In this study, the esterification reaction was performed to reduce the level of FFA in the GTW, utilizing ethanol as the reagent in the presence of the catalyst H2SO4. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on Central Composite Design (CCD) was applied to determine the optimal conditions for the esterification reaction through four process variables, these being: the molar ratio of ethanol to fats, oils, and grease (FOG), reaction time, reaction temperature, and catalyst loading. A set of 30 experiments were conducted in triplicate to study the interactive effects of the above variables on the reduction of the level of FFAs. An FFA% of 0.84% was obtained at the optimum conditions, which were 6:1 ethanol to FOG molar ratio, 3 hr reaction time, 750C reaction temperature, and 3 wt% H2SO4 loading per FOG weight.
Levels of neuroticism differentially predict individual scores in the depression and anxiety dimensions of the tripartite model: A multiwave longitudinal study
Authors: He Yini , Song Na , Xiao Jing , Cui Lixia , McWhinnie Chad M.
Published: March 2018

The associations between neuroticism and depression and anxiety symptoms remain unclear possibly due to the lack of specificity and covariation among common symptoms. The current study hypothesized that neuroticism acts as a vulnerability factor for general distress (GD) and specific depression and anxiety symptoms. We investigated this hypothesis using the “tripartite model” (a well‐known dimensional model of anxiety and depression). A sample of 644 college students was recruited from Hunan, China. In the initial stage of this investigation, the students completed self‐assessment forms to measure their levels of neuroticism and frequency of daily hassles. The students also reported on their levels of GD and specific depression and anxiety symptoms. The same self‐assessment procedure was undertaken once a month for the next 6 months. The results of the hierarchical linear model suggest a significant interaction between neuroticism and the level of stress caused by exposure to increased levels of daily hassles, which can be used as a predictor of future levels of GD and specific anxiety symptoms. However, the same interaction was not a significant predictor of specific depression symptoms. The current findings suggest that neuroticism may be a risk factor for specific anxiety but not for specific depression symptoms in face of stress caused by daily hassles.
Iron Phosphate Coated Flexible Carbon Nanotube Fabric as a Multifunctional Cathode for Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ren Xiaolei , Turcheniuk Kostiantyn , Lewis Daniel , Fu Wenbin , Magasinski Alexandre , Schauer Mark W. , Yushin Gleb
Published: March 2018

Conventional slurry casted electrodes cannot stand high loads or be repeatedly flexed or bent without being fractured, which inhibits their use in flexible batteries. Carbon nanotube (CNT) fabric exhibits a paramount mechanical stability and, due to its porosity, can additionally accommodate an active material within its structure. While solution‐based protocols cannot achieve conformal coatings of active materials, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) gives a unique opportunity to control and vary the thickness and homogeneity of the coating. Herein, a conformal CVD coating of amorphous iron (III) phosphate (a‐FePO4, FP) on flexible CNT fabric and its ability to reversibly accommodate large radius Na ions is reported. The freestanding binder‐free CNT@FP electrodes exhibit high‐rate capabilities and exceptional cycle stabilities with 98% of retention of initial capacity after 100 cycles. Such electrodes additionally demonstrate high mechanical stability under high loads, remarkable bending characteristics, and modulus of toughness (12 MJ m−3) exceeding that of Al. The presented concept of flexible CNT@FePO4 electrodes with high load‐bearing characteristics opens new perspectives toward the formation of light‐weight, flexible, multifunctional Na‐ion battery electrodes based on abundant materials.
Directed Vertical Diffusion of Photovoltaic Active Layer Components into Porous ZnO‐Based Cathode Buffer Layers
Authors: Kang Jia‐Jhen , Yang Tsung‐Yu , Lan Yi‐Kang , Wu Wei‐Ru , Su Chun‐Jen , Weng Shih‐Chang , Yamada Norifumi L. , Su An‐Chung , Jeng U‐Ser
Published: March 2018

Cathode buffer layers (CBLs) can effectively further the efficiency of polymer solar cells (PSCs), after optimization of the active layer. Hidden between the active layer and cathode of the inverted PSC device configuration is the critical yet often unattended vertical diffusion of the active layer components across CBL. Here, a novel methodology of contrast variation with neutron and anomalous X‐ray reflectivity to map the multicomponent depth compositions of inverted PSCs, covering from the active layer surface down to the bottom of the ZnO‐based CBL, is developed. Uniquely revealed for a high‐performance model PSC are the often overlooked porosity distributions of the ZnO‐based CBL and the differential diffusions of the polymer PTB7‐Th and fullerene derivative PC71BM of the active layer into the CBL. Interface modification of the ZnO‐based CBL with fullerene derivative PCBEOH for size‐selective nanochannels can selectively improve the diffusion of PC71BM more than that of the polymer. The deeper penetration of PC71BM establishes a gradient distribution of fullerene derivatives over the ZnO/PCBE‐OH CBL, resulting in markedly improved electron mobility and device efficiency of the inverted PSC. The result suggests a new CBL design concept of progressive matching of the conduction bands.
A review and an empirical analysis of privacy policy and notices for consumer Internet of things
Authors: Perez Alfredo J. , Zeadally Sherali , Cochran Jonathan
Published: March 2018

The privacy policies and practices of six consumer Internet of things (IoT) devices were reviewed and compared. In addition, an empirical verification of the compliance of privacy policies for data collection practices on two voice‐activated intelligent assistant devices, namely the Amazon Echo Dot and Google Home devices was performed. The review shows that IoT privacy policies may not be usable from the human‐computer interaction perspective because IoT policies are included as part of the manufacturers' general privacy policy (which may include policies unrelated to the device), or the IoT policy requires to read (in addition to the IoT policies) the manufacturers' general privacy policy which increase the cognitive load for the user. It was also found that future policy changes along with the approach to provide user consent to changes may adversely affect the privacy of the consumer because changes to policies may not provide choice to consumers to opt out from data collection practices if consumers are not aware of the changes. Finally, the empirical results for the Amazon Echo Dot and the Google Home devices demonstrate they adhere to their privacy policies when voice is collected through these devices.
DADI: Defending against distributed denial of service in information‐centric networking routing and caching
Authors: AbdAllah Eslam G. , Zulkernine Mohammad , Hassanein Hossam S.
Published: March 2018

Information‐centric networking (ICN) is a new communication paradigm for the upcoming next‐generation internet (NGI). ICN is an open environment that depends on in‐network caching and focuses on contents. These attributes make ICN architectures subject to different types of routing and caching attacks. An attacker publishes invalid contents or announces malicious routes and sends malicious requests for available and unavailable contents. These types of attacks can cause distributed denial of service (DDoS) and cache pollution in ICN architectures. In this paper,we propose a Defending solution Against DDoS in ICN routing and caching (DADI) that detects and prevents these DDoS attacks. This solution allows ICN routers to differentiate between legitimate and attack behaviors in the detection phase based on threshold values. In the prevention phase, ICN routers are able to take actions against these attacks. In our experiments, we measure satisfied requests for legitimate users and cache hit ratio for ICN routers, which are evaluated over different scenarios when there are 20%, 50%, and 80% attackers with respect to legitimate users. The experiments show that the proposed solution effectively mitigates routing‐ and caching‐related DDoS attacks in ICN and enhances ICN performance in the existence of DDoS attacks.
The mathematical model and numerical calculation method of efflorescence
Authors: Qian Chunxiang , Wang Jian , Cao Tianji , Qu Jun , Guo Jingqiang
Published: March 2018

Efflorescence is a common phenomenon of cement‐based materials, and the mathematical model can be used to simulate the process of efflorescence process calcium dissolution. It is inspired by the dissolution of cement‐based materials, and the Gerard model of calcium leaching is also used for reference. The mathematical model of efflorescence of cement‐based materials is established which based on the calcium ion solubility. It reveals the mathematical relationship of transformation process of Ca(OH)2 between solid phase and liquid phase and the calcium ion transport process in liquid phase. Also, the relationship between Ca(OH)2 content, the porosity, raw materials with physical and chemical properties of cement‐based materials and the key parameters on the mathematical efflorescence model are studied. The related physical and chemical parameters of cement‐based materials are taken into the mathematical model, and the liquid calcium ion distribution inside the material can be calculated after some time of efflorescence, which provides the basics of mathematical model for the prediction of efflorescence.
Addition of N‐terminal pro‐B natriuretic peptide to soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1/placental growth factor ratio > 38 improves prediction of pre‐eclampsia requiring delivery within 1 week: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Sabriá E. , Lequerica‐Fernández P. , Lafuente-Ganuza P. , Eguia-Ángeles E. , Escudero A. I. , Martínez‐Morillo E. , Barceló C. , Álvarez F. V.
Published: March 2018

Objective

Short‐term prediction of pre‐eclampsia (PE) using the soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1)/placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio is characterized by frequent false‐positive results. As such, no treatment can be recommended to test‐positive patients and multiple measurements are often required. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of N‐terminal pro‐B natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), uric acid and the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio for prediction of delivery with PE within 1 week in singleton pregnancies with suspected PE and sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio > 38.

Methods

This was a longitudinal prospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies presenting at 24 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks of gestation with clinically suspected PE and sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio > 38, enrolled between January 2015 and June 2017. Multiple samples per patient were allowed but were restricted to one sample per gestational week. From 495 enrolled patients, 270 blood samples from 134 patients were ultimately analyzed. By using generalized estimating equations (GEE), the best‐fit model was selected for prediction of delivery with PE within 1 week. The predictive value of this model was then assessed using area under the paired‐ROC curve (AUC) analysis.

Results

The best‐fit model included the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio, NT‐proBNP and the gestational week at the time of the measurement. This combined model was compared with the GEE model based on the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio and the gestational week at the time of the measurement (reduced model). The AUC for the combined model was 0.845 (95% CI, 0.787–0.896), which was significantly greater (P = 0.011) than that of the reduced model (0.786 (95% CI, 0.722–0.844)).

Conclusion

The addition of NT‐proBNP assessment improves the short‐term prediction of delivery as a result of PE compared with sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio alone, when the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio is > 38. This finding should be considered in future research on the assessment of short‐term risk of delivery as a result of PE. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Emerging technologies, markets and commercialization of solid‐electrolytic hydrogen production
Authors: Badwal Sukhvinder P.S. , Giddey Sarbjit , Munnings Christopher
Published: March 2018

Around 60 million tons of hydrogen are generated globally each year, 96% of which is produced from fossil fuels. Very little hydrogen is used as energy media; instead, it is most commonly used in nonenergy‐related applications, such as the production of ammonia, fertilizer, methanol and other chemicals, the petrochemical industry, and the hydrogenation of products. However, there is a clear global shift in the use of hydrogen, which is now rapidly developing as a renewable fuel for both stationary and transport applications. Hydrogen can be transported in compressed form at high pressures, in liquid form at –253°C, or more conveniently converted to liquid fuels for easy transportation from locations high in renewable‐energy intensity to areas scarce in renewable resources. In the last 5 years there has been a significant advancement in the scale of solid‐electrolyte demonstrations with a number of megawatt (MW) class products under operation for onsite hydrogen generation, power to gas networks, and storage at multiple sites. This manuscript, building on our previous WIRES publication, discusses the commercialization status of renewable hydrogen‐generation technologies, along with advances in research and development linked to electrolytic hydrogen generation, use, and transportation in the form of liquid fuels such as ammonia, methanol, or dimethyl ether.

This article is categorized under:

Fuel Cells and Hydrogen > Science and Materials

Fuel Cells and Hydrogen > Systems and Infrastructure
The use of intelligent aggregator agents for advanced control of demand response
Authors: Medved Tomi , Artač Gašper , Gubina Andrej F.
Published: March 2018

With the integration of distributed renewable energy sources (DRES) and active demand (e.g., units providing demand response, DR) in the distribution grid, the importance of monitoring the network conditions, managing the line congestions and observing the voltage levels is increasing. The distribution system operator (DSO) needs a mechanism, such as the traffic light system, to screen and approve the proposed operation schedules of the flexible active resources in the distribution grid. Their aggregated control will require the aggregators to employ advanced scheduling algorithms. The DR scheduling algorithms can be set to pursue various goals, for example, maximization of profit or cost reduction, grid support, or provision of the ancillary services. In the paper, we present a new DR scheduling approach suitable for the aggregation agent using approximate Q‐learning (AQL) algorithm scheduling. We present the AQL algorithm and the associated assumptions used in simulations on a real‐world low‐voltage (LV) grid model, comparing the AQL approach results to those of the economic scheduling and the energy scheduling approaches. Our assumption was that the AQL approach could outperform the energy or economic approaches as the AQL agent would be able to learn to avoid the scheduling penalties. The results of our research show that the aggregator agent using the economic approach shows the best economic performance, but causes the most schedule violations. The energy scheduling approach improves the network voltage profile but lowers the aggregator's profit. The AQL approach results in the agent's economic performance between the former two approaches with minimal schedule violations, confirming our research hypothesis.

This article is categorized under:

Concentrating Solar Power > Systems and Infrastructure

Energy Systems Economics > Systems and Infrastructure

Energy Infrastructure > Systems and Infrastructure

Energy Efficiency > Economics and Policy
Correction to: Rationalizability of menu preferences
Authors: Tyson Christopher J.
Published: March 2018

The original article has been updated due to typesetting mistakes in the equations.
How do post‐divorce paternal and maternal family trajectories relate to adolescents' subjective well‐being?
Authors: Bastaits Kim , Pasteels Inge , Mortelmans Dimitri
Published: March 2018

Previous research on adolescents' well‐being has focused mainly on the differences between married and divorced families. Recently, interest has shifted towards the cumulative effects of the various family transitions experienced by children. To contribute to this literature, we investigate the relationship of maternal and paternal family trajectories following divorce with adolescents' well‐being by analyzing two dyadic subsamples of the ‘Divorce in Flanders’ study: mothers‐adolescents (n = 515) and fathers‐adolescents (n = 365). Results from the sequence analyses and structural equation models show that adolescents' well‐being was lower if their mothers were in less stable partnership situations, namely if they had never repartnered, were in a LAT (living apart together) relationship or had had several relationships since their divorce. For fathers, the opposite result was found: adolescents' well‐being was lower when their fathers were in seemingly stable partnership situations, i.e. if they had remarried or begun living with a new partner since their divorce.
Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers measured by Elecsys assays compared to amyloid imaging
Authors: Schindler Suzanne E. , Gray Julia D. , Gordon Brian A. , Xiong Chengjie , Batrla‐Utermann Richard , Quan Marian , Wahl Simone , Benzinger Tammie L.S. , Holtzman David M. , Morris John C. , Fagan Anne M.
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Levels of amyloid β peptide 42 (Aβ42), total tau, and phosphorylated tau‐181 are well‐established cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease, but variability in manual plate‐based assays has limited their use. We examined the relationship between CSF biomarkers, as measured by a novel automated immunoassay platform, and amyloid positron emission tomography.

Methods

CSF samples from 200 individuals underwent separate analysis for Aβ42, total tau, and phosphorylated tau‐181 with automated Roche Elecsys assays. Aβ40 was measured with a commercial plate‐based assay. Positron emission tomography with Pittsburgh Compound B was performed less than 1 year from CSF collection.

Results

Ratios of CSF biomarkers (total tau/Aβ42, phosphorylated tau‐181/Aβ42, and Aβ42/Aβ40) best discriminated Pittsburgh Compound B–positive from Pittsburgh Compound B–negative individuals.

Discussion

CSF biomarkers and amyloid positron emission tomography reflect different aspects of Alzheimer's disease brain pathology, and therefore, less‐than‐perfect correspondence is expected. Automated assays are likely to increase the utility of CSF biomarkers.
Social Studies Curriculum Integration in Elementary Classrooms: A Case Study on a Pennsylvania Rural School
Authors: Ollila Julie , Macy Marisa
Published: March 2018

Since the advent of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, classrooms in the U.S. have experienced a steady decline in the amount of time teachers spend on social studies, with the elementary grades suffering the highest level of decline. There is currently a need to understand how teachers perceive the problem of insufficient social studies instruction time and gain their perceptions of curriculum integration as a solution. The purpose of the qualitative case study was to explore how 14 elementary social studies teachers in Grades 3 to 5 integrate social studies throughout the curriculum. In addition, another aim was to evaluate the outcomes of employing an integrated social studies curriculum on teaching civic competence to students. This qualitative case study included interviews and focus group discussions; data were then analyzed using a thematic analysis. It was discovered that teachers believed that by increasing instructional time for social studies, students’ understanding of the subject and its concepts should also increase; however, the key disadvantage was the need to have adequate time and planning to integrate the subject. The interviewed teachers shared that the best method of integration is by incorporating social studies concepts in classroom projects and activities. From the results, it is then recommended for the integrated curriculum theory to be strongly considered by the key educational decisions makers in the country. The results can help the schools determine how to best increase social studies instructional time, improve quality of social studies education, and the positive effects of instilling civic competence among their students.
Effect of donepezil on transcranial magnetic stimulation parameters in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hwang Yun Tae , Rocchi Lorenzo , Hammond Paul , Hardy Chris JD. , Warren Jason D. , Ridha Basil H. , Rothwell John , Rossor Martin N.
Published: March 2018

Introduction

There is a need for a reliable, noninvasive biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD). We assessed whether short‐latency afferent inhibition (SAI), a transcranial magnetic stimulation paradigm that assesses cholinergic circuits of the brain, could become such a biomarker.

Methods

Nineteen patients with AD underwent four SAI testing sessions. The timing of their usual donepezil dose was altered to create different cholinergic states for each session. This was compared to the SAI results from 20 healthy subjects.

Results

SAI was not able to distinguish the different cholinergic states assessed in our study. There appeared to be a diurnal variation in cholinergic function in the control group, which was not present in the AD cohort.

Discussion

SAI does not appear to have a role in diagnosis and assessment of AD patients. The loss of diurnal variation, however, warrants further investigation as it may provide further biochemical insights about AD.
Frequency and Nature of Infectious Risk Moments During Acute Care Based on the INFORM Structured Classification Taxonomy
Authors: Clack Lauren , Passerini Simone , Wolfensberger Aline , Sax Hugo , Manser Tanja
Published: March 2018

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we sought to establish a comprehensive inventory of infectious risk moments (IRMs), defined as seemingly innocuous yet frequently occurring care manipulations potentially resulting in transfer of pathogens to patients. We also aimed to develop and employ an observational taxonomy to quantify the frequency and nature of IRMs in acute-care settings.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study and establishment of observational taxonomy.

SETTING

Intensive care unit, general medical ward, and emergency ward of a university-affiliated hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Healthcare workers (HCWs)

METHODS

Exploratory observations were conducted to identify IRMs, which were coded based on the surfaces involved in the transmission pathway to establish a structured taxonomy. Structured observations were performed using this taxonomy to quantify IRMs in all 3 settings.

RESULTS

Following 129.17 hours of exploratory observations, identified IRMs involved HCW hands, gloves, care devices, mobile objects, and HCW clothing and accessories. A structured taxonomy called INFORM (INFectiOus Risk Moment) was established to classify each IRM according to the source, vector, and endpoint of potential pathogen transfer. We observed 1,138 IRMs during 53.77 hours of structured observations (31.25 active care hours) for an average foundation of 42.8 IRMs per active care hour overall, and average densities of 34.9, 36.8, and 56.3 IRMs in the intensive care, medical, and emergency wards, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Hands and gloves remain among the most important contributors to the transfer of pathogens within the healthcare setting, but medical devices, mobile objects, invasive devices, and HCW clothing and accessories may also contribute to patient colonization and/or infection. The INFORM observational taxonomy and IRM inventory presented may benefit clinical risk assessment, training and education, and future research.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:272–279