bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FORMS AND PRINCIPLES OF STATE SUPPORT FOR PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS
Authors: BONDAR Nataliia , BAKALINSKYI Oleksandr
Published: July 2024

Infrastructure projects are mostly capital-intensive, have a long payback period, and carry a social burden. The cost of services provided to society is usually regulated by the government. The participation of private investors in such projects is associated with significant risks that arise at the project level and in relation to the state as a partner. On the other hand, the implementation of PPP projects requires significant amounts of funding, which often necessitates the involvement of financial institutions. To implement such projects, it is necessary to provide state support. The article presents the forms of state support used in world practice. The essence and types of state guarantees as a form of state support for PPP projects are disclosed. The principles of their provision are systematized. The author proposes a conceptual approach to the decision-making by governments to provide state guarantees for PPP projects.
FORFEITURE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE OR ITS EQUIVALENT: AN ANALYSIS OF THE NEW REGULATION OF THE PENAL CODE AND ITS IMPACT ON SAFETY
Authors: FLOREK-KLĘSK Dagmara , BIALIC Bartłomiej
Published: July 2024

Crimes against safety in public transport constitute a serious problem and threat to social functioning. A failure to comply with the provisions of the Highway Code, especially excessive speeding, poses a serious threat to other road users, as well as to pedestrians who, as a result of drivers’ carelessness, become victims of road accidents. However, drivers who decide to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol pose a particularly serious threat. Therefore, legislation declares severe punishment for such actions. This paper is a response to the changes that came into force in the Polish legal system beginning March 14, 2024, which included extremely severe sanctions against people committing certain crimes against safety.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FACING THE INTERDISCIPLINARY ENGINEER OF THE 21ST CENTURY BASED ON THE CONCEPT OF INDUSTRY 4.0
Authors: GOŁUCH Paulina , STEC Maciej , GAŃCZORZ Patryk , BIAŁEK Konrad , KILJAN Anna
Published: July 2024

This article focuses on analyzing the challenges and opportunities that modern engineers encounter. In the context of a dynamically changing technological environment, the authors identify key areas such as the growing importance of interdisciplinarity, the need for flexibility in acquiring new skills, and ethical dilemmas related to technological progress. At the same time, they discuss the opportunities presented by the emerging technological revolution and how engineers can contribute to solving global problems through their comprehensive approach. The article is an important contribution to understanding the role of the interdisciplinary engineer in the 21st century and how to cope with new challenges and exploit opportunities in the world of science and technology.
CITIZEN BUDGET AS A COMPONENT OF LOCAL POLICY: A CASE STUDY OF TOWNS IN THE PODKARPACKIE VOIVODESHIP
Authors: GRZEBYK Mariola , STEC Małgorzata , HEJDUKOVA Pavlina
Published: July 2024

One of the most important instruments for engaging residents in local affairs and building social awareness is the citizen budget. It is a form of involving residents in the planning of public spending, which has been delegated by local authorities at their discretion. The aim of the article is to assess the use of the citizen budget as a component of local policy in towns in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship during the years 2018–2022. The research method employed is desk research based on public data and interviews conducted with city office employees. Within the citizen budget of the towns studied the number of projects submitted by residents increased, as did the turnout of voters. This is a signal of community engagement in the life of individual towns. There is a growing social awareness as well as a need for organization and cooperation. By encouraging participation in public life and collective decision-making related to the allocation of public funds, the overarching goal of citizen engagement has been achieved. Most projects chosen by residents are related to the construction or modernization of technical infrastructure, although in recent years, soft projects have also begun to appear more frequently. They reflect changing social needs, with cultural, sports, and recreational projects being the most dominant.
TRANSFER MARKET IN FOOTBALL: ANALYZING THE TOP 100 MOST EXPENSIVE PLAYERS
Authors: METELSKI Adam
Published: July 2024

Football is a massive business that has a global impact and involves significant financial transactions. The economic aspects related to player transfers have garnered substantial attention from scholars, analysts, and fans alike due to the substantial amounts of money involved in these transactions. The primary objective of this article is to expound upon the influential factors within the football transfer market, focusing on the top 100 most expensive players. Through the analysis of player positions, age, nationalities, leagues, and the clubs involved in these transfers, this study aims to highlight the significant factors that contribute to the valuation process and the overall dynamics of the market. The study highlights the significance of offensive players, as well as young players up to 25 years of age, who demonstrate a higher representation among the top 100 players. The global nature of the sport is reflected in the nationally diverse representation of players.
Classroom Structure Strategies of Teachers and Language Communication Hitches of Students in Public Secondary Schools
Authors: Cerna Mark Gennesis B. Dela , Baguio Josephine B.
Published: July 2024

This study described the classroom structure strategies employed by teachers and the language communication challenges faced by public secondary school students in Kidapawan District, Division of Kidapawan City, Philippines. The study utilized a non-experimental quantitative research design with a correlational method. The respondents included 147 teachers and students from public secondary schools, selected using universal sampling. Data analysis involved mean, Pearson's r, and regression analysis. The findings revealed that teachers frequently implemented classroom structure strategies in areas such as setting expectations, accountability, simplicity, preparation, and building rapport. Additionally, the study found that public secondary school students often encountered language communication challenges related to dialects, speech, word choice, and grammar. A significant relationship was identified between teachers' classroom structure strategies and students' language communication difficulties. Furthermore, the study suggests that various domains of classroom structure strategies significantly influence students' language communication issues. Based on these findings, the study recommends that educators engage in targeted professional development programs to enhance their classroom management skills and instructional strategies. These programs should focus on improving language proficiency and communication among students.
Study Impact of Gas Flares Environment on Preschool Children Growth Profile in Yenagoa Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: Uvoh Solomon M , Confidence Onisoya D , Emmanuel Onokpite , E Kiridi Emily Gabriel , David Odikeme E
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to determine the growth profile of pre-school children in some gas flaring communities in yenagoa, Bayelsa state in relation to under nutrition (PEM), source of drinking water and others.
Methods: This study adopted a cross sectional design strategy to determine the anthropometric indices, parents occupational level effect on the children growth, source of drinking water and the prevalence of undernutrtion among age 1-5yrs using sampling method and well-structured questionnaires, bathroom scale for weight, meter rule for height and Gomez classification method to determine undernutrtion from the results obtained for this study.
Results: Results obtained from this study shows 110(45.83%) males and 130(54.17%) female as participants. Parent’s demographic data shows that civil servants (40.42%) and trading (37.08%) was the major occupation of the fathers while the mothers were more engaged in business (50.42%) and farming (31.25%) compared with other occupations. The anthropometric indices of male children in Tombia compared with Obunagha were all statistically significant (<0.05) except for weight. However the weight among participants in Tombia (female subjects) was significant while other variables were non-significant. Regarding protein energy malnutrition among the male study population, 4.55%, 9.09%, 46.36%, suffers from 3rd ,2nd and 1st degrees malnutrition while 40% has normal weight with no indication of PEM compared with the prevalence of undernutrtion among the females of 1.54% severe, 1.54%moderate with stunted growth, 70% mild and 26.92% normal in the study population. The study also reveal that 6.67%, 1.67% and 12.91% of the children do sometimes drinks either river, pond, or untreated borehole water which could be a factor contributing to their being undernourished. With regards to the children’s birth of origin, 17.08% and 44.17% were born in the study environment.
Conclusion: Gas flares into the studied environment affect the growth profile of age 1-5 yrs preschool children significantly with the manifestation of severe, moderate and mild undernutrtion observed compared with the percentage free from malnutrition. Hence proactive measures should be taking by the government to put an end to the indiscriminate flaring of gases that may hinder children ability to comprehend academically and growth retardation due to protein energy malnutrition, airborne diseases etc.
In-vitro Anti-diabetic Evaluation of Sambirani Poo Kuligai by Alpha Amylase Enzyme Inhibition Assay
Authors: Dharani A. , Muthupandiyan M. , Menaka R.
Published: July 2024

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia or increased blood glucose levels with disturbances in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism resulting from absolute or relative lack of insulin secretion. The Siddha system of medicine is a traditional medical system that uses a scientific and holistic approach to provide preventive, promotive, curative, rejuvenating and rehabilitative health care. According to Siddha literature, diabetes is known as Innippu Neer, Madhumegam and Neerizhivu. The various reasons for the cause of this disease are attributed to food, habits and lifestyle changes and also due to hereditary causes. The inhibition of alpha amylase enzyme involved in the digestion of carbohydrates can significantly reduce the postprandial increase of blood glucose and therefore can be an important strategy in the management of blood glucose level in type-2 diabetic and borderline patients.
Aim & Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro alpha-amylase inhibitory effect of Sambirani Poo Kuligai (SPK), a Siddha formulation, to assess its potential anti-diabetic properties.
Methods: Alpha-amylase inhibitory activity was assessed using a spectrophotometric assay.
Results: SPK exhibited alpha-amylase inhibitory potential, with a maximum inhibition of about 48.67% ± 4.097 and a corresponding IC50 value of 578.6 ± 44.75 μg/mL.
Conclusion: This in vitro study demonstrates that the Siddha formulation Sambirani Poo Kuligai (SPK) exhibits alpha-amylase inhibitory activity, suggesting its potential anti-diabetic properties.
Survey for the Occurrence of Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) in Maize in Telangana, India
Authors: Venkatesh Pottimurthy , Sree K. Vani , Upendhar S. , Mallaiah B.
Published: July 2024

A roving survey was conducted in maize during the rabi season of 2023-24, covering three agroclimatic zones aimed to assess the extent of damage inflicted by fall armyworm. The survey assessed FAW infestation levels and leaf injury ratings at both vegetative and reproductive stages of maize. The findings revealed varying degrees of infestation and damage across different villages and different agro climatic zones, with the highest infestation rates recorded in the South Telangana Zone. Notably, the study identified Lingasanipally village in Nagarkurnool district experienced the highest infestation 80% during the vegetative stage. Leaf injury ratings ranged from 2.1 to 6.12, with the highest rating (6.12) recorded in Latpally village of Nagarkurnool district.
Performance of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin Stored as Oil Cultures under Different Temperature Regimes
Authors: R Chelsia , K Manjula , P N Harathi , M Gurivi Reddy , S Abdul Mujeeb
Published: July 2024

Entomopathogenic Fungal agents play an important role in controlling pest population. Besides isolating and exploiting the virulent fungal agents it is essential to maintain its viability for longer period at affordable cost, thereby they could be employed for further research. Usage of oils and storage at lower temperatures prevent conidial desiccations and could be comparatively a cheaper alternative to freeze drying and cryopreservation to maintain its virulence for extended periods. Oil cultures of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin were prepared from the laboratory-maintained isolate by using two vegetable oils viz., Rice Bran oil, Sesamum oil and two mineral oils viz., Liquid Paraffin oil and Heavy grade Mineral Oil. Prepared oil cultures were stored under three different temperature regimes viz., at room temperature (28 ± 3ºC), refrigerated condition (4ºC) and freezing temperature (-20ºC). These 12 cultures stored at different temperatures along with crude culture and untreated control were evaluated for viability and virulence against third instar Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) larvae on the day of preparation (0 DAS) and upto 180 days under laboratory conditions. Among all oil cultures, Sesamum oil cultures and Liquid Paraffin oil cultures stored at -20ºC performed well with highest conidial germination of 87.85% and 83.57% and highest larval mortality of 90.00% and 86.67% on the day of preparation (0 DAS). After 180 DAS of storage, conidial germination in these two formulations was in the range of 62.87% to 61.43% and larval mortality was 60.00%. Comparatively, least performance was observed in mineral oil formulations stored at room temperature(T1) and in unformulated crude cultures.
The Relationship between Conspicuous Consumption and Ethical Behaviors of College Students: Value Orientation as the Mediator
Authors: Dai Luote , Gu Shengyu
Published: July 2024

Young college students are the pillars of the development of the state and society, and their growth concerns the future of the state. However, with the further development of the Chinese economy, college students' consumption awareness has shifted from initial need-based consumption to sociative and conspicuous consumption, which could possibly result in non-ethical consumption behaviors. Therefore, studying the relationship between conspicuous consumption and ethical behaviors, as well as the factors that influence this relationship, is of great significance for the healthy growth of college students.
This study examined the relationship between conspicuous consumption and ethical behaviors of college students and included collectivism and individualism, which are key factors affecting personal value orientation in Chinese society, as moderating variables in the research model. Collectivism refers to a cultural orientation where individuals prioritize the group's interests over personal gains, while individualism emphasizes personal goals and independence. It was found that conspicuous consumption was negatively correlated with college students' ethical behaviors. Collectivist values can weaken this relationship, while individualist values strengthen it. Finally, possible factors contributing to this relationship were proposed in the conclusion, along with suggestions on how to reduce non-ethical behaviors among college students.
Transforming Growth Factor Beta: Role in Cell Growth and Differentiation
Authors: Serra Rosa
Published: March 2014

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is the prototype for a family of multifunctional secreted peptides that control many aspects of growth and development in a cell‐type‐specific manner. TGFβs are well conserved among species indicating their importance in these basic biological processes. TGFβ is secreted in a latent form that is activated outside of the cell. It acts by binding to heteromeric serine/threonine kinase receptors on the cell surface that transmit a signal to nucleus via Smad proteins to ultimately regulate changes in gene expression. Although TGFβ is required for normal development and physiology, alterations in TGFβ signalling are involved in many disease processes including cancer, fibrosis and disorders of the connective tissue like Marfan's syndrome. Understanding the basic mechanisms through which TGFβ mediates cell growth, shape, migration and differentiation should lead to therapeutic interventions for a number of common diseases.

Key Concepts:

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) is the prototype for a conserved family of multifunctional secreted peptides.

TGFβs regulate many basic biological processes including cell proliferation, shape, adhesion, migration and differentiation.

TGFβ is secreted from cells in a latent, inactive form that is activated through proteolytic and nonproteolytic mechanisms.

TGFβ acts through heteromeric serine/threonine kinase receptors.

TGFβ regulates changes in gene expression via Smad proteins.

Smad‐independent, noncanonical signalling pathways exist.

TGFβ inhibits the cell cycle by regulating the activity of cyclin dependent kinases.

TGFβ regulates the expression of key transcription factors, Snail and Slug, which mediate changes in cell shape.

TGFβ promotes deposition and accumulation of ECM.

TGFβ regulates differentiation through Smads by mediating changes in chromatin structure and binding to master transcriptional regulators.
Cell Migration during Development
Authors: Van Nieuwenhuysen Tom , Vleminckx Kris
Published: March 2014

Cell migration is essential during the establishment of a three‐dimensional and multilayered organism. These migratory processes are highly coordinated both in time and space through various intercellular and cell–substrate interactions. Cells, moving either individually or as cohorts, use specific permissive, restrictive, attractive or repulsive guidance cues in their surroundings to move to their final destinations. These cues, which are mostly dynamic, induce specific intracellular responses in the receiving cells and often have direct effects on the cytoskeleton. These signals result in the acquisition of motile behaviour and allow detachment from the surrounding cells or tissue. They further lead to the establishment of cell or tissue polarity and induce directionality in the migration. The molecular nature of the guidance cues during embryonic, larval and foetal development is often analogous in diverse settings of cell migration.

Key Concepts:

Cells follow specific migration routes during development.

Cells can migrate either individually or in groups.

Surrounding guidance cues guide the migrating cells.

Guidance cues can be restrictive versus permissive and attractive versus repulsive.

Guidance cues induce specific intracellular signalling responses.

Intracellular polarity defines the direction of migration.

Collective migration requires molecular interactions between the migrating cells.

Contact inhibition of locomotion affects the coordinated motile behaviour of cranial neural crest cells.
RopGTPases: Polarity and Cell Shape in Plants
Authors: Uhrig Joachim F , Hülskamp Martin
Published: March 2014

Similar to Rho GTPases in animals and fungi, Rho of plant (ROP) GTPases, which are active in the guanosine triphosphate‐bound state and inactive in the guanosine diphosphate‐bound state, serve as molecular switches in plants. Although the general function is conserved, the upstream regulators and downstream effectors appear to be plant specific. InArabidopsis thaliana, a gene family of 11 ROPs regulates a wide range of processes among which their role in polarity and cell shape is best studied. Growth and nongrowth regions are defined by ROPs through the differential activation of downstream effectors that, in turn, control the local function of actin and microtubules. ROPs are involved in regulatory feedback loops that mediate tissue‐specific cues to individual growth behaviours of single cells.

Key Concepts:

The general function of ROPs GTPases in plants is conserved.

The upstream and downstream effectors of ROPs are plant specific.

ROPs regulate cell shape through the organisation of actin and microtubules.

ROPs regulate cell morphogenesis by differential activation of downstream effectors.

ROPs regulate the size of growth areas through regulatory feedback loops.
Gibberellin – Mechanism of Action
Authors: Claus Schwechheimer
Published: March 2014

Since their discovery, gibberellin (GA) diterpenoid phytohormones have been used by agriculturalists and horticulturalists to control plant growth and to improve yield quantity and quality. Coordinated breeding efforts after World War II have led to strong yield increases following the introduction of dwarfing alleles that impair GA signalling in wheat and GA biosynthesis in rice, later named the ‘Green Revolution’. In the last two decades, the identity of the basic components of the GA signal transduction pathway has been elucidated. Core to GA action is the regulation of DELLA protein levels, repressors that control plant growth by negatively interfering mainly, but as it emerges not exclusively, with transcription regulator activities. Here, the author summarises the current knowledge of GA signal transduction, thereby putting an emphasis on the crosstalk of GA signalling with the light and jasmonic acid signalling pathways and with microtubule organisation.

Key Concepts:

Manipulation of gibberellin (GA) signalling has contributed to the ‘Green Revolution’.

DELLA proteins are GA‐labile growth repressors that mainly, but not exclusively, repress transcription factors.

GA inactivates DELLAs by targeting them for degradation by the ubiquitin–proteasome system.

Alternative GA‐independent DELLA inactivation mechanisms have been described.

GA and DELLAs repress PIF and BZR1 transcription factors to control light‐regulated development.

GA and DELLAs antagonistically control different steps in the signal transduction of the phytohormone jasmonic acid.

GA and DELLAs modulate microtubule formation by modulating prefoldin activity.
Molecular Genetics of Cohesinopathies
Authors: Barbero José L
Published: March 2014

Maintenance of sister chromatid cohesion (SCC) until anaphase during cell division is essential for a correct repartition of genetic material to daughter cells. In the search for molecules involved in this process, two independent laboratories have characterised a protein complex, which was denominated the cohesin complex. Although, in the early years, the research focus was on its role in SCC, some years later, new findings have shown that the cohesin complex is involved in several crucial processes in the genome dynamic,
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
‐repair, DNA replication and control of transcription and gene expression. The metabolism of cohesin complex and its chromosome interactions are regulated by other proteins, which have been referred as cohesin cofactors or cohesin regulators. Mutations in the cohesin subunits and cohesin cofactor genes, which show a little or no effect in chromosome cohesion, but influence significantly changes in the gene expression, provoke some human pathologies that we know as cohesinopathies.

Key Concepts:

The protein complex was given the name ‘cohesin’ because it was first characterised in sister chromatid cohesion during chromosome segregation.

Cohesin complex function during cell division is essential for correct chromosome segregation to daughter cells and to avoid aneuploidies and tumour formation.

Cohesin complex have other important functions apart from chromosome segregation in the genome dynamic, such us DNA‐damage repair, DNA duplication and gene expression control.

The role of cohesin complex in gene expression control is essential for right organism development.

Cohesin complex functions are also regulated by the cohesin‐interacting proteins named cohesin cofactors or cohesin regulators.

Mutations in the genes codifying for cohesin complex subunits and/or cohesin cofactors provoke human syndromes denominated cohesinopathies.
Cancer and the Ageing Process
Authors: Dimri Manjari , Dimri Goberdhan P
Published: March 2014

The ageing process is a highly complex eventual outcome of development. Cancer is a disease of multicellular organisms that results primarily due to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Although cancer is a pathological phenomenon, ageing by itself is a natural process. However, ageing can promote certain age‐related pathologies including cancer. Both cancer and the ageing process have deleterious effects on the well‐being of an organism. At the cellular level, a complex phenotype known as cellular senescence regulates both cancer and the ageing process. A cell undergoes senescence due to telomere shortening or exposure to various stress factors. Senescent cells are morphologically and functionally distinct from proliferating and apoptotic cells. These cells do not divide but are metabolically active. In the context of a tissue or an organ, senescent cells exert both cell autonomous and nonautonomous effects, which regulate cancer and the ageing process.

Key Concepts:

Ageing is the key risk factor for cancer and it promotes cancer.

All normal cells undergo cellular senescence, a permanent growth‐arrested phase.

Cellular senescence results due to intrinsic factors such as telomere shortening or extrinsic factors such as stress.

Induction of senescence by intrinsic or extrinsic factors is mediated by p53/p21 and p16INK4A/pRB tumour suppressor pathways.

Tumour suppressor pathways not only regulate cancer but also regulate organismic ageing.

Cellular senescence contributes to ageing and cancer via its cell autonomous and nonautonomous effects.

Cellular senescence can suppress or promote cancer via cell autonomous and nonautonomous mechanisms.

Model systems can be used to study the mechanism of ageing and cancer.
Alterations inDNAMethylation Resulting from Exposure to Chemical Carcinogens
Authors: Pogribny Igor P , Kobets Tetyana , Beland Frederick A
Published: March 2014

Continuous exposure to natural and man‐made chemicals is a major cause of noncommunicable human diseases, including cancer. Accumulated data indicate that an exposure to chemical carcinogens induces a range of genetic and epigenetic events, including alterations in thedeoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)methylation pattern, which may be associated with cancer development and progression. Accumulated evidence indicates that the response of the DNA methylome to chemical carcinogens, especially lifestyle and food carcinogens, is critical in the carcinogenic process. The better understanding of mechanisms and processes associated with carcinogen‐induced DNA methylation abnormalities may be helpful for carcinogen hazard identification, carcinogen risk assessment and management, and the prevention of cancer.

Key Concepts:

Exposure to natural and man‐made chemicals is a major cause of human cancer.

Chemical carcinogens induce a range of genetic and epigenetic events, including alterations in the DNA methylation pattern.

Alteration of the DNA methylation status is one of the underlying mechanisms of the carcinogenicity of a number of established environmental and occupational carcinogenic agents.

Carcinogen‐induced DNA methylation changes consist of DNA and repetitive element demethylation, gene‐specific hypermethylation and gene silencing, gene‐specific hypomethylation and activation of gene transcription and altered expression or activity of DNA methyltransferases.

Epigenetic alterations may be used as biomarkers in the evaluation of the carcinogenic potential of chemicals.

The incorporation of epigenetic technologies in cancer risk assessment promises to enhance substantially the efficiency of carcinogenicity testing.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Acylation of 2‐Aryl‐1,2,3‐triazoles with Aldehydes
Authors: Wang Zechao , Tian Qinshan , Yu Xin , Kuang Chunxiang
Published: March 2014

The palladium‐catalyzed acylation of 2‐aryl‐1,2,3‐triazoles with aldehydes via CH bond activation is described. A wide variety of products was isolated in good to excellent yields. This finding provides a new and useful strategy for the synthesis of aromatic ketones.

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Metal‐Free Trifluoromethylation and Arylation of Alkenes: Domino Synthesis of Oxindole Derivatives
Authors: Shi Liangliang , Yang Xiaobo , Wang Yuyuan , Yang Haijun , Fu Hua
Published: March 2014

A novel, simple and highly efficient method for the synthesis of 3‐(trifluoromethyl)‐indolin‐2‐one derivatives has been developed. The protocol uses readily available N‐alkyl‐N‐phenylacrylamides as the starting materials, inexpensive and easily stored Langlois reagent (sodium trifluoromethanesulfinate) as the trifluoromethyl source, and iodobenzene diacetate [PhI(OAc)2] as the oxidant. The procedure involves a metal‐free domino trifluoromethylation and arylation of alkenes. The methods did not need mediation of any transition metal which avoided contaminations of toxic metals in the products.

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Quantum‐Dot Sensitized Solar Cells Employing Hierarchical Cu2S Microspheres Wrapped by Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanosheets as Effective Counter Electrodes
Authors: Ye Meidan , Chen Chang , Zhang Nan , Wen Xiaoru , Guo Wenxi , Lin Changjian
Published: March 2014

Hierarchical Cu2S microspheres wrapped by reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheets are prepared via a one‐step solvothermal process. The amount of graphene oxide used in the synthesis process has a remarkable effect on the features of Cu2S microspheres. Compared to Pt and Cu2S electrodes, RGO‐Cu2S electrodes show better electrocatalytic activity, greater stability, lower charge‐transfer resistance, and higher exchange current density. As expected, RGO‐Cu2S electrodes exhibit superior performance when functioning as counter electrodes in CdS/CdSe quantum dot‐sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) using a polysulfide electrolyte. A power conversion efficiency up to 3.85% is achieved for the QDSSC employing an optimized RGO‐Cu2S counter electrode, which is higher than those of the QDSSCs featuring Pt (2.14%) and Cu2S (3.39%) counter electrodes.
Large‐Area Rolled‐Up Nanomembrane Capacitor Arrays for Electrostatic Energy Storage
Authors: Sharma Ravikant , Bufon Carlos César Bof , Grimm Daniel , Sommer Robert , Wollatz Arndt , Schadewald Jörg , Thurmer Dominic J. , Siles Pablo F. , Bauer Martin , Schmidt Oliver G.
Published: March 2014

The fabrication, characterization, and optimization of large area rolled‐up ultracompact nanomembrane‐based capacitor arrays is demonstrated by combining bottom‐up and top‐down fabrication methods. The scalability of the process is tested on a 4‐inch wafer platform where 1600 devices are manufactured in parallel. By using a hybrid dielectric layer consisting of HfO2 and TiO2 incorporated into an Al2O3 matrix, rolled‐up ultracompact capacitors can have their capacitance per footprint area increased by over two orders of magnitude. Their electrical properties can be precisely controlled by adjusting the oxide composition. Furthermore, the rolling of large‐area nanomembrane‐based structures naturally results in a substantial decrease of the occupied footprint area. Such electrostatic rolled‐up ultracompact energy‐storage elements have a large potential in powering various autonomous microsystems.
Nonequilibrium Charge Dynamics in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Howard Ian A. , Etzold Fabian , Laquai Frédéric , Kemerink Martijn
Published: March 2014

The dynamics of charge carriers after their creation at, or near, an interface play a critical role in determining the efficiency of organic solar cells as they dictate, via mechanisms that are not yet fully understood, the pathways for charge separation and recombination. Here, a combination of ultrafast transient spectroscopy and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations based on a minimalistic model are used to examine various aspects of these charge dynamics in a typical donor‐acceptor copolymer:methanofullerene blend. The observed rates of charge carrier energetic relaxation and recombination for a sequence of charge densities can be all consistently described in terms of the extended Gaussian disorder model. The physical picture that arises is a) that initial charge motion is highly diffusive and boosted by energetic relaxation in the disordered density of states and b) that mobile charge carriers dissociate from and re‐associate into Coulombically associated pairs faster than they recombine, especially at early times. A simple analytical calculation confirms this picture and can be used to identify sub‐Langevin recombination as the cause for quantitative deviations between the Monte Carlo calculations and the measured concentration dependence of the charge recombination.
A novel strategy for dynamic optimization of grade transition processes based on molecular weight distribution
Authors: Weng Jinzu , Shao Zhijiang , Chen Xi , Gu Xueping , Yao Zhen , Feng Lianfang , Biegler Lorenz T.
Published: March 2014

To achieve different end‐use properties of polymers, an industrial plant must produce several grades of the product through the same process under different operating conditions. As molecular weight distribution (MWD) is a crucial quality index of polymers, grade transition based on MWD is of great importance. Dynamic optimization of the grade transition process using MWD is a challenging task because of its large‐scale nature. After analyzing the relationships among state variables during polymerization, a novel method is proposed to conduct the optimal grade transition using dynamic optimization with a small‐scale moment model, combined with a steady‐state calculation of the MWD. By avoiding expensive computation in dealing with dynamic MWD optimization, this technique greatly reduces the computational complexity of the process optimization. The theoretical equivalence of this simplification is also proved. Finally, an industrial high‐density polyethylene slurry process is presented to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed strategy. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2498–2512, 2014
Psychosocial factors at work and sickness absence: Results from the French National SUMER Survey
Authors: Lesuffleur Thomas , Chastang Jean‐François , Sandret Nicolas , Niedhammer Isabelle
Published: March 2014

Objective

This study aims at exploring the associations between psychosocial work factors and sickness absence.

Methods

The sample from the French National Survey SUMER 2010 included 46,962 employees. Sickness absence spells and days within the last year were studied as two outcomes. Psychosocial work factors included psychological demands, decision latitude, social support, reward, working time, and workplace violence variables. Covariates were age, occupation, economic activity, and other occupational exposures.

Results

For both genders, low latitude, low reward, shift work, bullying, and verbal abuse were risk factors of absence spells while long working hours were a protective factor. High demands, low support, and physical violence were risk factors for women. Low support and bullying for both genders, high demands for women, and low reward, long working hours, and physical violence for men increased absence duration.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of psychosocial work factors as risk factors of sickness absence. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:695–708, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical features of cytotoxic CD8+ T‐lymphocyte deficiency in chronic rhinosinusitis patients: a demographic and functional study
Authors: Gabra Nathalie , Alromaih Saud , Endam Leandra Mfuna , Brito Rose Marie , Larivière Françoise , Al‐Mot Sawsan , LeDeist Françoise , Desrosiers Martin
Published: March 2014

Background

Identification of Staphylococcus aureus intracellularly in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) suggests an underlying cellular immunodeficiency. Supporting this, we have previously reported low CD8+ (cytotoxic) T‐lymphocyte levels in a subpopulation of CRS patients and identified polymorphisms in the CD8A gene associated with CRS. In order to better understand the role of low CD8+ in CRS, we wished to determine the phenotype for CRS/Low CD8+ in comparison to that of conventional CRS.

Methods

Sixty‐seven low CD8+ CRS patients identified during investigation of CRS were compared for demographics, disease evolution, and bacteriology on endoscopic culture were compared with an existing population of 480 patients with CRS with nasal polyposis previously recruited for genetic association studies.

Results

Mean level of CD8+ in the CRS/Low CD8+ population was 0.15 × 109/L (range, 0.20–1.5 × 109/L). There was no difference between both groups in terms of history of allergy, asthma, eczema, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) intolerance or smoking. The bacteriology was similar between both groups (S. aureus: CRS/Low CD8+: 35%; CRS 32%, p = 0.643). Evolution of disease was somewhat milder in CRS/Low CD8+, with fewer patients requiring surgery, and first surgery performed at a more advanced age. However, antibiotic use was higher in CRS/Low CD8+. Subgroup analysis restricted to CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP)/Low CD8 or CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP)/Low CD8 phenotypes did not substantially alter these results.

Conclusion

Low CD8+ levels are often identified in CRS patients; however, these patients have disease remarkably similar to those with conventional CRS. This suggests that immune deficiency, whether systemic or locally mediated, is well tolerated and may be present in other forms in CRS. CRS patients with low CD8+ levels may possibly require antibacterial therapies as part of ongoing management.
An Activatable Theranostic for Targeted Cancer Therapy and Imaging
Authors: Bhuniya Sankarprasad , Maiti Sukhendu , Kim Eun‐Joong , Lee Hyunseung , Sessler Jonathan L. , Hong Kwan Soo , Kim Jong Seung
Published: March 2014

A new theranostic strategy is described. It is based on the use of an “all in one” prodrug, namely the biotinylated piperazine‐rhodol conjugate 4 a. This conjugate, which incorporates the anticancer drug SN‐38, undergoes self‐immolative cleavage when exposed to biological thiols. This leads to the tumor‐targeted release of the active SN‐38 payload along with fluorophore 1 a. This release is made selective as the result of the biotin functionality. Fluorophore 1 a is 32‐fold more fluorescent than prodrug 4 a. It permits the delivery and release of the SN‐38 payload to be monitored easily in vitro and in vivo, as inferred from cell studies and ex vivo analyses of mice xenografts derived from HeLa cells, respectively. Prodrug 4 a also displays anticancer activity in the HeLa cell murine xenograft tumor model. On the basis of these findings we suggest that the present strategy, which combines within a single agent the key functions of targeting, release, imaging, and treatment, may have a role to play in cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Rheological behavior ‐ Electrical and thermal properties of polypyrrole/graphene oxide nanocomposites
Authors: Manivel P. , Kanagaraj S. , Balamurugan A. , Ponpandian N. , Mangalaraj D. , Viswanathan C.
Published: March 2014

Polypyrrole/graphene oxide (Ppy/GO) nanocomposites were synthesized via in situ polymerization of pyrrole in the presence of GO at various proportions (1–5%). They were characterized to determine their electrical, thermal, and rheological properties by various techniques. The aim of this study was to determine the rheological behavior of Ppy/GO nanocomposite at different mass ratios (100 : 1, 100 : 2, 100 : 3, 100 : 4, and 100 : 5%) and temperature (25–180°C) using a rotational mode in cone‐plate method. The shear stress (τ Pa) and viscosity (η Pa s) values of the nanocomposites increased with the increase in GO mass ratio added to Ppy, which was accompanied by an increased flexibility of the nanocomposites due to the higher aspect ratio of the GO sheet. Hence, it is suggested that the GO sheets are effective for the reinforcement of Ppy thereby significantly improvising its thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and rheological properties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40642.
Active Disturbance Rejection Control for Piezoelectric Beam
Authors: Zheng Qinling , Richter Hanz , Gao Zhiqiang
Published: March 2014

Piezoelectric beam dynamics are characterized by elastic properties, nonlinearities, uncertainties, and unknown disturbances, thus making vibration suppression a challenging control problem. To meet this challenge, a novel active control method has been designed and rigorously tested on actual hardware without the requirement of extensive modeling. In this unique approach, the piezoelectric beam dynamics, known or unknown, linear or nonlinear, and all external disturbances are treated in their totality as an input disturbance which is subsequently estimated and canceled in real time, reducing the challenging problem to a very manageable one. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of this practical control method. The frequency domain characteristics of the proposed method are analyzed using Bode and describing function methods.
On the Stabilization of Linear Time Invariant Fractional Order Commensurate Switched Systems
Authors: Balochian Saeed
Published: March 2014

In this paper, the stabilization problem of a linear time invariant fractional order (LTI‐FO) switched system is outlined. First, the sufficient condition for stability of a commensurate LTI‐FO switched system based on the convex analysis and linear matrix inequality (LMI) is presented. Then, a single Lyapunov function is constructed based on the optimization method. Then, a sliding sector is designed for each subsystem of the LTI‐FO switched system so that each state in the state space is inside at least one sliding sector with its corresponding subsystem, where the Lyapunov function found by the optimization method is decreasing. Finally, a switching control law is designed to switch the LTI‐FO switched system among subsystems to ensure the decrease of the Lyapunov function in the state space. Simulation results are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed variable structure controller.
FAULT DIAGNOSIS OF HYDRAULIC SERVO SYSTEM USING THE UNSCENTED KALMAN FILTER
Authors: Liu Hongmei , Liu Dawei , Lu Chen , Wang Xuan
Published: March 2014

Fault occurrence can be embodied by the physical parameter variations of the hydraulic servo system. Faults can, therefore, be diagnosed according to the model coefficient variations of the hydraulic servo system. This paper proposes an approach for fault diagnosis based on the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) with a mathematical model of the hydraulic servo system. The mathematical model is established using the dynamic equations of the hydraulic servo system. Based on the fault mechanism analysis results, several important system model parameters that can separately represent different faults in different components of the hydraulic servo system are chosen. Discrete state space equations are derived from the dynamic equations. The UKF algorithm is used to estimate the important system model parameters of the hydraulic servo system by utilizing the discretized state space model. According to the variations of these model parameters, the fault modes and locations of the hydraulic servo system can be diagnosed and isolated. Two types of faults, namely, abrupt fault in servovalve gain and slow wear fault in hydraulic cylinder piston, which cannot be directly detected from the system output, are introduced individually to the hydraulic servo system in this work. By comparing with the extended Kalman Filter, three different experimental cases are used to validate the effectiveness of the UKF for hydraulic servo system fault diagnosis.
Classification of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder by Sensory Subtype: A Case for Sensory‐Based Phenotypes
Authors: Lane Alison E. , Molloy Cynthia A. , Bishop Somer L.
Published: March 2014

This study examines whether sensory differences can be used to classify meaningful subgroups of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Caregivers of children with ASD aged 2–10 years (n = 228) completed the Short Sensory Profile. Model‐based cluster analysis was used to extract sensory subtypes. The relationship of these subtypes to age, gender, autism symptom severity, and nonverbal intelligence quotient (IQ) was further explored. Four distinct sensory subtypes were identified: (a) sensory adaptive; (b) taste smell sensitive; (c) postural inattentive; and (d) generalized sensory difference. The sensory subtypes differ from each other on two dimensions: (a) the severity of reported sensory differences; and (b) the focus of differences across auditory, taste, smell, vestibular and proprioceptive domains. Examination of the clinical features of each subtype reveals two possible mechanisms of sensory disturbance in autism: (a) sensory hyperreactivity; and (b) difficulties with multisensory processing. Further, the sensory subtypes are not well explained by other variables such as age, gender, IQ, and autism symptom severity. We conclude that classification of children using sensory differences offers a promising method by which to identify phenotypes in ASD. Sensory‐based phenotypes may be useful in identifying behavioral features responsive to specific interventions thereby improving intervention effectiveness. Further validation of the sensory‐based phenotypes by establishing neural and physiological correlates is recommended. Autism Res 2014, 7: 322–333. © 2014 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.