bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Knowledge of Waste Recycling for Socio Ecological Improvement of Kalyani and Jalpaiguri Municipal Areas of West Bengal, India
Authors: Ghosh Arindam , Pal Dibyendu , Biswas Amitava , Acharya S. K.
Published: August 2020

Waste is a ceaselessly developing issue at worldwide and territorial just as at neighborhood levels. Due to vigorous globalization and product proliferation in recent years, more waste has been produced by the soaring manufacturing activities. The social ecology of waste recycling implies the structural, functional and managerial intervention of waste generation process. The specific objective of the research was to isolate and identify the system variables characterizing and the management of waste recycling process and to estimate intra and inter level of interaction amongst and between the variables for respective, inductive and interactive contribution. The present study takes a look into the approach, process and impact of ongoing waste management process, followed by the both Kalyani and Jalpaiguri municipalities. A set of agro-ecological, socio-economic and techno managerial factors have been developed by selecting two sets of operating variables. 21 independent variables and one dependent variable i.e. knowledge of waste recycling (y2) were selected for the research. Total one fifty respondents, seventy five from each municipal area have been selected by systematic random sampling. A basket of multivariate analytic techniques have been carried out to isolate and interpret the variables. Throughout the study it has been observed that in terms of variable behavior and responses there has been stark differences between Jalapaiguri and Kalyani where as some few variables like education, impact of waste management and recycling on health, water and micro flora and fauna have recorded the distinct contribution, for Jalpaiguri expenditure, volume of waste generation from household, impact of waste management on soil have gone in the determinant way. But in both municipal areas perception of environmental impact of waste management have recorded equal contribution. So it can be said that improper waste management leads to ecological damage and knowledge of waste recycling will reduce improper waste disposal and save our environment and ecology.
Development of Passive-Passive Combination Tillage Implements Suitable for Mini-Tractor
Authors: Babu T. Mahesh , Kumar A. Ashok , Reddy K. V. S. Rami , Kumar H. V. Hema
Published: August 2020

Indian agriculture account for nearly 14.2% of the gross domestic product and involves over 58.2% of population. The biggest challenge before the agriculture sector of India is to meet the growing demands of food for its increasing population from 1.21 billion in the year 2011 to 1.6 billion by the year 2050. Since the cultivated area has remained nearly constant (142 Mha) over the years, the only option to increase food production is to increase the productivity of land. The developed combination tillage implement comprises of two passive tillage implement one as front passive tillage implements and other as second passive tillage implement. In case of passive implements, power losses are more at tire-soil interface and also a considerable weight is required on drive wheels of tractor to provide necessary traction that results into detrimental soil compaction. The developed tillage implements were evaluated under actual field condition at different depth and operating speeds. The tillage performance parameters such as draft force, fuel consumption, wheel slip, power requirement was measured. A digital dynamometer was used for measurement of draft force of the tillage implement at different operating depths under field evaluation. The draw bar power requirement of the combination tillage implement was calculated. During field evaluation it was observed that the draft force of the cultivator with disc harrow (C-DH) found to vary from 190 to 220 kgf. The power requirement of combination tillage implement was observed as, 5.32, 9.866, 18.48 and 2.42, 6.3, 3, 7.7 and 0.46, 1.7, 3.5 kW at forward speed of 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 km h-1, respectively.
Survival of Forest Species of the Caatinga in Ciliary Plantations in the State of Paraíba, Brazil
Authors: Leite Maria José de Holanda , Cunha Maria do Carmo Learth , Melo Rafael Rodolfo , Almeida Maria José Martins Fausto
Published: August 2020

Riparian forests have peculiar characteristics in relation to architecture and flowering, which are intrinsically linked to the high water content of the soil and the air where they develop due to both the superficiality of the water table and periodic flooding. The aim of this research was to assess the survival or establishment of seedlings in the field through the collection of survival information in order to verify which species group(s) is most feasible for recovering of riparian forest in Caatinga areas. The riparian plantations were conducted in three rural communities from March to April, at the Riacho Trapiá, Rio Espinharas and Rio da Cruz rivers, municipality of Maturéia-PB, respectively for three years (2003, 2004 and 2005). Twenty-two native species were used, covering six pioneers, eight secondary, five climaxes and three of undetermined ecological group. The results showed that the pioneer and secondary species had better survival performance in the areas of riparian stand plantations, this may have occurred because they had the capacity to adapt in places with adverse conditions, which demonstrates their indication for recovering of riparian forest.
Soil Physico-chemical Properties at Different Habitat Types in Disturbed and Undisturbed Sites of the Takamanda Rainforest, Cameroon
Authors: Andrew Egbe Enow , Ndah Njoh Roland , Bechem Eneke , Lucha Celestine Fonyikeh-Bomboh
Published: August 2020

Soil fertility in tropical forest ecosystems is achieved by high and rapid circulation of nutrients, through nutrient cycling which is a function of climate variability. Decomposition is a key process in nutrient cycling and the formation of soil organic carbon. This study examines the physico-chemical properties of soils in different habitat types in the disturbed and undisturbed Takamanda rainforest.  A total of 180 soil samples were collected from the different habitat types of the two forest sites. At each of the sites, soil samples were collected from the ridge tops (crest of a ridge), hilly slopes (side of a ridge), plains (low land), swamps (low land area saturated with water) and valley bottoms (trough surrounded by ridges). Soil samples were collected at 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, 20-30 cm, 30-40 cm, 40-50 cm and 50-60 cm soil depths. The results indicated that the bulk densities were highest in the habitats of hilly slope (1.43±0.35) and ridge top (1.21±0.11) in the disturbed and undisturbed forest respectively. The soil porosity was highest (73±50) in plain and valley bottoms (72±60) in the undisturbed forest. The electrical conductivity was highest (58.83±80, 57.00±4.50) in valley bottoms in both disturbed and undisturbed sites respectively. The soil textural classes noted in both top soil and subsoil in disturbed and undisturbed were loam, sandy loam, loamy sand, sandy clay loam and clay loam. The macro-nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Organic Carbon, Sulphur, Calcium and Potassium) generally showed a decreased trend with soil depths across habitats in disturbed and undisturbed forests. The soil micronutrients (Manganese, Iron, Zinc, Copper and Nickel) showed an increased trend with soil depths across habitats in disturbed and undisturbed forest sites. Therefore, appropriate measures are necessary for conservation and management of the soils of Takamanda rainforest. This would enhance the growth and diversity of both flora and fauna of these rainforest sites.
Appraisal of Public Pipe-borne Water Quality in Jimeta/Yola Adamawa State (Nigeria): From the Treatment-plants to End-user Points
Authors: Bwatanglang I. B. , Yonnana E. , Ibrahim Lynna D. , Kubo Abdulrahman I. , Elijah B. K. , Ayagwa C. A. , Abdulkarim J. , Yerima Y.
Published: August 2020

This research aimed at assessing the drinking water quality of piped water distribution in Jimeta-Yola Adamawa State, Nigeria. The strategy was based on establishing the possibilities of contaminants underlying the distribution channels compromising the quality from the treatment source to the consumer point of use. Selected heavy metals and physiological parameters were determined toward establishing the water quality indices (WQI). Though, most of the parameter determined fell below or within the permissible limits (PL) set by WHO for drinking water, the results indicated significant (p<0.05) differences in the concentrations determined in the treatment plants (Yola treatment plant (YTP) and Jimeta treatment plant (JMTP)) with those at the consumer endpoints (YTPC and JMTPC). The results showed the WQI at the treatment plants being compromised due to the induction of pollutants across the distribution pipes. The water samples at the treatment point (JMTP) were excellent, having WQI <25 and good quality at YTP (25< WQI<50). However, the water quality on leaving the treatment source was observed to slightly change to poor quality at JMTPC (WQI= 57.00), and further observed to be in moderate-good quality at YTPC (WQI=49.27). Further analysis showed an increase in bacterial counts in the water samples at the consumer points.  Escherichia coli concentrations of 565 and 718 cfu /100 mL were detected in samples from YTPC and JMTPC, despite the fact the water was observed to be free from bacteria at the treatment plants.
Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentration in Fruit Samples from Three Major Markets during the Wet Season in Enugu State
Authors: Ameh G. I. , Ogbodo L. C.
Published: August 2020

The effect of seasonal changes on heavy metals concentration in three commonly edible fruits in Enugu State was analyzed. Banana, pineapple and watermelon samples were collected during three rainy season months (June, July and August) from three markets in the three districts of Enugu state (Enugu North, Enugu West and Enugu East). Heavy metals evaluated during the study include lead, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, zinc and copper. Metals in the samples were quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) at specific wave lengths and values reported in mg/kg. The result of the study showed the maximum and minimum values of heavy metals observed in all the samples were; 0.28 – 0.03 mg/kg, 0.22 – 0.01 mg/kg, 0.13 – 0.01 mg/kg, 0.64 – 0.33 mg/kg, 0.69 – 0.01 mg/kg and 13.88 – 1.42 mg/kg for lead, cadmium, nickel, cobalt, copper and zinc respectively. The quantity of metals in all the samples, on average, reduces as the rainy season month progresses. The order of heavy metal concentrations in the fruit samples from the markets were in the following decreasing order; Nsukka market> Ogbete market> Ezeagu market. Banana fruit showed the highest concentration of heavy metals while watermelon showed the least heavy metal concentration. Values obtained were compared to WHO maximum permissible limit for each metal. Environmental pollution should be prevented in market areas to avoid food poisoning from consumption of contaminated food.
A Random Study to Assess Height, Weight and Bmi of Children Attending Anganwadi Centres in Urban Project Sectors of Trivandram District
Authors: Abhina B. , Chandran C. Anitha
Published: August 2020

Aim: To assess height, weight and BMI (Body Mass Index) of children attending anganwadi centers.

Sample: Ninety children attending the anganwadi centers in the age group of two to six years were studied.

Study Design: A random study was done to assess anthropometric measurements such as height, weight and BMI of children (2-6 years) attending anganwadi centers in the Urban 2 project areas of Trivandrum district, Kerala. Children were selected randomly from sector 1 and sector 4. Data collected were compared with the standard values to find the disparities.

Place of Study: Sectors I and IV in the Urban II project areas of Trivandrum district in Kerala was randomly selected for study.

Methodology: Height, weight and Body Mass Index of 90 children were collected and recorded. Data collected were compared with the standard values to find the deviation among the study population.

Results: 80% of children attending the anganwadi centers were having greater than minimum height standards. Even though majority of children have a body mass index less than 5th percentile indicating the chances of malnutrition.

Conclusion: Children having less than their minimum height and weight requirements requires special attention. Less BMI value indicates the presence of malnutrition and need proper care and attention.
Design Approach for Quality Improvement and Cost Reduction: A Case Study of Cable Manufacturing
Authors: Dominic Chukwuebuka M. U- , Godwin Harold C. , Igbokwe Nkemakonam
Published: August 2020

In this study, an extrusion process was studied in a cable manufacturing company located in Southeastern Nigeria. The critical-to-quality (CTQ) characteristic considered in the study was the cable diameter and the design effort was to reduce the possibilities of having cables with inconsistent dimensions. Taguchi Orthogonal Array Design L16 (4˄2) was used to achieve the optimum parameter settings after statistically investigating the assumed correlations between the process parameters in relation to cable dimension. Thereafter, an appropriate engineering tolerance interval for the improved process was designed to tighten the existing tolerance of the process from T±0.185 to T±0.032, thus reducing the engineering tolerance by 82.7% from the initial tolerance limit. After the process improvement, the Taguchi loss function approach was used to estimate cost attributed to deviations. The loss function estimation result has shown that the cost attributed to cable diameter deviations from the nominal value reduced from the initial value of ₦7.34/coil to a reduced cost of ₦2.08/coil. The sigma level increased from 0.6 to 5.2 at the project termination stage and the estimated annual loss decreased by 72% from the baseline value.
Enabling Artificial Intelligence as Input Variable Control to Prevent Package Thickness Related Defect in Compression Molding
Authors: Padilla Ernani D. , Birog Emmanuel P.
Published: August 2020

This paper aims to identify the causes of package thickness related defects in compression mold process. Related defects include wrong package thickness, exposed wire and/or die and mold bleed out.

There are three scenarios why package thickness problem is encountered in compression molding. These include wrong mold recipe selected against the actual lot, wrong lot loaded against the current recipe loaded and product input to mold having irregularities such as presence of stray die or damage on strip side rails and end rails. Applying artificial intelligence (AI) the mold machine to detect all abnormalities identified at input and prevent it from proceeding to molding.

Applying AI was able to eliminate occurrence of all package thickness related defects and machine related downtimes.
Water Resources Exploitation Practices and Challenges: The Case of River Meme, Cameroon
Authors: Gur Amawa Sani , Enjongaya Atiekum Zipporah , Kimengsi Jude Ndzifon , Sunjo Tata Emmanuel
Published: August 2020

The exploitation of water resources, an aged old practice, continue to attract significant research and policy attention. For the most part, this subject has eluded geographical literature in the context of the River Meme. We contribute to provide empirical evidence, by exploring water resource exploitation practices, challenges and implications, taking the case of four exploitation sites in Mbonge. The study employed a random sample of 270 respondents drawn from four study communities, complemented by interviews. The data were analysed descriptively and inferentially, using the ANOVA. The results reveal that three resources were identified as key to include sand, fish and domestic water. The study further revealed that the exploitation of the resources of River Meme is important for socio-economic development, the provision of sand to construct local and modern structures, the creation of employment, and the provision of household income. Key exploitation challenges include inadequate capital, poor management approaches, the use of rudimentary tools, and conflict among others. The study concludes that, as a result of the challenges faced in the exploitation of water resources, River Meme should be developed as a recreational site – this will serve as a source of income generation to the local population.
Efetividade do desfibrilador externo automático no suporte básico e avançado de vida intra-hospitalar: revisão sistemática e meta-análise
Authors: Oliveira Norival Santolin , Louro Thiago Quinelato , Machado Daniel Aragão , Santiago Luiz Carlos , Silva Carlos Roberto Lyra da , Silva Roberto Carlos Lyra da
Published: August 2020

Objetivo: avaliar a efetividade do desfibrilador externo automático no suporte avançado de vida na parada cardiorrespiratória hospitalar. Método: Revisão sistemática e meta-análise. Foram incluídos estudos em texto completo em inglês, português e espanhol, nos últimos 10 anos. Resultados: 03 estudos foram incluídos na meta-análise. O uso do desfibrilador externo automático foi associado a um risco relativo de retorno espontâneo da circulação sanguínea e de morte de 1.01 (IC 95% 0.89-1.14) e 1.06 (IC 95% 0.99-1.15) respectivamente. Conclusão: O uso do desfibrilador externo automático não foi associado à melhora da sobrevida na parada cardiorrespiratória e ambiente hospitalar.
Beyond What Meets the Eye: Imaging and Imagining Wood Mechanical–Structural Properties
Authors: Toumpanaki Eleni , Shah Darshil U. , Eichhorn Stephen J.
Published: August 2020

Wood presents a hierarchical structure, containing features at all length scales: from the tracheids or vessels that make up its cellular structure, through to the microfibrils within the cell walls, down to the molecular architecture of the cellulose, lignin, and hemicelluloses that comprise its chemical makeup. This structure renders it with high mechanical (e.g., modulus and strength) and interesting physical (e.g., optical) properties. A better understanding of this structure, and how it plays a role in governing mechanical and other physical parameters, will help to better exploit this sustainable resource. Here, recent developments on the use of advanced imaging techniques for studying the structural properties of wood in relation to its mechanical properties are explored. The focus is on synchrotron nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray tomographical imaging, Raman and infrared spectroscopies, confocal microscopy, electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Critical discussion on the role of imaging techniques and how fields are developing rapidly to incorporate both spatial and temporal ranges of analysis is presented.
In Situ Topotactic Transformation of an Interstitial Alloy for CO Electroreduction
Authors: Zhao Changming , Luo Gan , Liu Xiaokang , Zhang Wei , Li Zhijun , Xu Qian , Zhang Qinghua , Wang Huijuan , Li Deming , Zhou Fangyao , Qu Yunteng , Han Xiao , Zhu Zezhou , Wu Geng , Wang Jing , Zhu Junfa , Yao Tao , Li Yafei , Bouwmeester Henny J.M. , Wu Yuen
Published: August 2020

Electrochemical reduction of CO to value‐added products holds promise for storage of energy from renewable sources. Copper can convert CO into multi‐carbon (C2+) products during CO electroreduction. However, developing a Cu electrocatalyst with a high selectivity for CO reduction and desirable production rates for C2+ products remains challenging. Herein, highly lattice‐disordered Cu3N with abundant twin structures as a precursor electrocatalyst is examined for CO reduction. Through in situ activation during the CO reduction reaction (CORR) and concomitant release of nitrogen, the obtained metallic Cu° catalyst particles inherit the lattice dislocations present in the parent Cu3N lattice. The de‐nitrified catalyst delivers an unprecedented C2+ Faradaic efficiency of over 90% at a current density of 727 mA cm−2 in a flow cell system. Using a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) electrolyzer with a solid‐state electrolyte (SSE), a 17.4 vol% ethylene stream and liquid streams with concentration of 1.45 m and 230 × 10−3 m C2+ products at the outlet of the cathode and SSE‐containment layer are obtained.
Imaging Domain Reversal in an Ultrathin Van der Waals Ferromagnet
Authors: Broadway David A. , Scholten Sam C. , Tan Cheng , Dontschuk Nikolai , Lillie Scott E. , Johnson Brett C. , Zheng Guolin , Wang Zhenhai , Oganov Artem R. , Tian Shangjie , Li Chenghe , Lei Hechang , Wang Lan , Hollenberg Lloyd C. L. , Tetienne Jean‐Philippe
Published: August 2020

The recent isolation of 2D van der Waals magnetic materials has uncovered rich physics that often differs from the magnetic behavior of their bulk counterparts. However, the microscopic details of fundamental processes such as the initial magnetization or domain reversal, which govern the magnetic hysteresis, remain largely unknown in the ultrathin limit. Here a widefield nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) microscope is employed to directly image these processes in few‐layer flakes of the magnetic semiconductor vanadium triiodide (VI3). Complete and abrupt switching of most flakes is observed at fields Hc ≈ 0.5–1 T (at 5 K) independent of thickness. The coercive field decreases as the temperature approaches the Curie temperature (Tc ≈ 50 K); however, the switching remains abrupt. The initial magnetization process is then imaged, which reveals thickness‐dependent domain wall depinning fields well below Hc. These results point to ultrathin VI3 being a nucleation‐type hard ferromagnet, where the coercive field is set by the anisotropy‐limited domain wall nucleation field. This work illustrates the power of widefield NV microscopy to investigate magnetization processes in van der Waals ferromagnets, which can be used to elucidate the origin of the hard ferromagnetic properties of other materials and explore field‐ and current‐driven domain wall dynamics.
Metal–Electrolyte Solution Dual‐Mode Electrospinning Process for In Situ Fabrication of Electrospun Bilayer Membrane
Authors: Han Hyeonseok , Hong Hyeonjun , Park Sang Min , Kim Dong Sung
Published: August 2020

Electrospun bilayer membranes comprising two layers, one aligned and the other random, have shown great potential in tissue engineering but previous fabrication processes inevitably relied on manual integration and produced limited types of membranes. Here, a metal–electrolyte solution dual‐mode electrospinning (M‐ELES) for fabrication of electrospun bilayer membrane based on a metal–electrolyte solution switchable collector is developed. The switchable collector enables random nanofiber deposition directly over the preexisting aligned nanofiber layer in an in situ manner and integration of the layers through an on‐demand switch from the metal to the electrolyte solution collector. The electrolyte solution can effectively discharge excessive positive charges of the deposited nanofibers and thus maintain the efficiency of random nanofiber deposition, which allows ≈2.5 times faster fabrication as compared to a conventional method. M‐ELES also possess each layer controllability through on‐demand switching, thereby achieving the electrospun bilayer membranes with diverse physical (e.g., aligned nanofiber density) and mechanical (e.g., maximum tensile load up to ≈3 N) properties. As a biomedical application, in vitro wound healing assay using NIH3T3 cells demonstrates that the electrospun bilayer membrane promotes wound coverage through topographical guidance of the aligned nanofiber layer while providing mechanical support by the random nanofiber layer.
Fe/Sb2Te3 Interface Reconstruction through Mild Thermal Annealing
Authors: Longo Emanuele , Wiemer Claudia , Cecchini Raimondo , Longo Massimo , Lamperti Alessio , Khanas Anton , Zenkevich Andrei , Cantoni Matteo , Rinaldi Christian , Fanciulli Marco , Mantovan Roberto
Published: August 2020

When coupled with ferromagnetic layers (FM), topological insulators (TI) are expected to boost the charge‐to‐spin conversion efficiency across the FM/TI interface. In this context, a thorough control and optimization of the FM/TI interface quality are requested. Here, the evolution of the chemical, structural, and magnetic properties of the Fe/Sb2Te3 heterostructure is presented as a function of a rapid mild thermal annealing conducted on the Sb2Te3‐TI (up to 200 °C). While the bilayer is not subjected to any thermal treatment upon Fe deposition, the annealing of Sb2Te3 markedly improves its crystalline quality, leading to an increase in the fraction of ferromagnetic Fe atoms at the buried Fe/Sb2Te3 interface and a slight lowering of the magnetic coercivity of the Fe layer. The method is an efficient tool to clean up the Fe/Sb2Te3 interface, which may be extended to different FM/TI heterostructures. Simultaneously to the interface reconstruction, a constant ≈20% fraction of FeTe develops at the interface. Since FeTe can display superconductivity, the Fe/Sb2Te3 system could have potentialities for exploiting phenomena at the edge of magnetism, superconductivity and topology.
Continuous Directional Water Transport on Hydrophobic Slippery Ventral Skin of Lampropeltis pyromelana
Authors: Tenjimbayashi Mizuki , Kawamura Kohei , Shiratori Seimei
Published: August 2020

Natural systems contain surfaces with unique wettability that enable functionalities such as directional liquid transport. Such systems typically rely on nano/microscale structural anisotropy and/or chemical structures, which induce a directional friction at solid–liquid interfaces. Here, the origin of the solid–liquid interfacial tribo‐dynamics of the skin of Lampropeltis pyromelana (Arizona Mountain Kingsnake) is examined. Continuous and directional water transport phenomenon is found on its hydrophobic slippery ventral skin. Liquid is continuously supplied and spread on its skin in a rear to front direction although the surface is slippery. X‐ray tomography and spectroscopy reveal that the skin surface is composed of an asymmetric wrinkle structure and a homogeneous hydrophobic lipid layer. Owing to this surface feature, the rear directional water spreading is restricted by slant reentrant pinning, whereas the front directional water spreading is promoted by liquid bridging, which continued as long as water is supplied. Because this system type relies on a superhydrophilic sticky surface, it is expected that related biological design principles can be used to develop artificial mass fluid transport systems without undesirable adhesion losses.
Nitrogen/Oxygen Enriched Hierarchical Porous Carbons Derived from Waste Peanut Shells Boosting Performance of Supercapacitors
Authors: Wen Yanliang , Chi Liang , Wen Xin , Chen Xuecheng , Mijowska Ewa
Published: August 2020

The high specific surface area and the fine electrical conductivity are the vital impacts, but they are always a pair of mutually counterbalancing factors in carbon‐based supercapacitors. Herein, a facile strategy of the combined CoCl2 catalytic graphitization and ZnCl2 activation is applied to synthesize porous carbonaceous materials with enriched nitrogen and oxygen doping from a cheap and abundant biowaste of peanut shells. The as‐produced carbon materials possess high surface area (1745–2257 m2 g−1), naturally nitrogen/oxygen co‐doping, and hierarchical porous structure. These physicochemical properties jointly endow these materials excellent supercapacitive performances: a high gravimetric specific capacitance of 343 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and enduring long‐cycle performance of 90.9% capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles at 10 A g−1 in a 3‐electrode system with 6 m KOH electrolyte as well as a superior energy density of 42 Wh kg−1 at the high power density of 375 W kg−1 in an organic electrolyte. This low‐cost and facile approach shall open a new avenue to produce carbon materials with both high surface area and superior graphitization from the plentiful biomass for the potential energy storage applications.
Recent Advancements in Emerging Neuromorphic Device Technologies
Authors: Woo Jiyong , Kim Jeong Hun , Im Jong‐Pil , Moon Seung Eon
Published: August 2020

The explosive growth of data and information has motivated technological developments in computing systems that utilize them for efficiently discovering patterns and gaining relevant insights. Inspired by the structure and functions of biological synapses and neurons in the brain, neural network algorithms that can realize highly parallel computations have been implemented on conventional silicon transistor‐based hardware. However, synapses composed of multiple transistors allow only binary information to be stored, and processing such digital states through complicated silicon neuron circuits makes low‐power and low‐latency computing difficult. Therefore, the attractiveness of the emerging memories and switches for synaptic and neuronal elements, respectively, in implementing neuromorphic systems, which are suitable for performing energy‐efficient cognitive functions and recognition, is discussed herein. Based on a literature survey, recent progress concerning memories shows that novel strategies related to materials and device engineering to mitigate challenges are presented to primarily achieve nonvolatile analog synaptic characteristics. Attempts to emulate the role of the neuron in various ways using compact switches and volatile memories are also discussed. It is hoped that this review will help direct future interdisciplinary research on device, circuit, and architecture levels of neuromorphic systems.
A Review of Dielectric Elastomer Generator Systems
Authors: Moretti Giacomo , Rosset Samuel , Vertechy Rocco , Anderson Iain , Fontana Marco
Published: August 2020

Dielectric elastomer generator systems (DEGSs) are a class of electrostatic soft‐transducers capable of converting oscillating mechanical power from different sources into usable electricity. Over the past years, a diversity of DEGSs has been conceived, integrated, and tested featuring diverse topologies and implementation characteristics tailored on different applications. Herein, the recent advances on DEGSs are reviewed and illustrated in terms of design of hardware architectures, power electronics, and control, with reference to the different application targets, including large‐scale systems such as ocean wave energy converters, and small‐scale systems such as human motion or ambient vibration energy harvesters. Finally, challenges and perspectives for the advancement of DEGSs are identified and discussed.
Intelligent Polymer‐Based Bioinspired Actuators: From Monofunction to Multifunction
Authors: Cui Huanqing , Zhao Qilong , Zhang Li , Du Xuemin
Published: August 2020

In nature, creatures possess a variety of actuation behaviors such as dynamic modulations of their configurations, colors, and positions, which provide inexhaustible inspirations for the design and construction of bioinspired actuators to conduct tasks in dynamic environments. With the assistance of remarkable advances in materials especially stimuli–responsive polymers, the bioinspired actuators have been remarkably evolving from monofunction of only actuation to multifunction with integrating sensing, reporting, and locomotion capabilities, which offer possibilities to make bioinspired actuators intelligent via providing feedback and obtaining autonomous abilities in mission execution. The intelligence of the bioinspired actuators by integrating multiple functions also significantly broadens their applications, particularly in biomedical and robotic fields that usually involve dynamic and complicated circumstances. Herein, the evolution of the intelligent polymer‐based bioinspired actuators from monofunction to multifunction is introduced, which focuses on the design strategies for each of them with gradually updating capabilities and their representative applications in diverse biomedical and robotic areas. Future challenges for achieving the enhanced intelligence of the bioinspired actuators on a par with the living creatures are finally discussed, which shall be addressed through extensive innovations of materials and systems.
Variation in plant belowground resource allocation across heterogeneous landscapes: implications for post‐fire resprouting
Authors: Magaña‐Hernández Esteban , Zuloaga‐Aguilar Susana , Cuevas‐Guzmán Ramón , Pausas Juli G.
Published: August 2020

Premise

Resource availability affects biomass allocation in ways that could influence plant responses to disturbance such as fire. This is important because fire also varies across landscapes in ways that are correlated to resource availability. We hypothesized that plants growing in landscape microsites with a shortage of nutrients and water allocate more biomass and resources to belowground structures (and thus promote traits that enhance post‐fire resprouting ability) than plants in more mesic sites.

Methods

We selected sites in three contrasting topographies (3 gullies, 3 midslopes, and 3 ridges) that supported different vegetation types and fire regimes, in Jalisco, Mexico. At each site, we measured soil nutrient and water content and light availability. Then we sampled biomass and root starch allocation in three post‐fire resprouting shrubs that grow across a wide range of microenvironmental conditions.

Results

The ridges showed the highest values of solar radiation and the lowest of soil N and water content. Overall, we found a significant tendency for higher root‐to‐shoot (R/S) ratios, greater fine root biomass, and higher root starch content, in individuals growing in ridges or midslopes compared to the values of the plants living in gullies.

Conclusions

Plants located in open canopy sites, characterized by a shortage of nutrients and water, tend to allocate more biomass belowground than plants in wet and fertile sites. Thus, plants in wet and fertile forests should be more vulnerable to increased disturbance such as wildfires.
Words matter: Reflections on language projects with chimpanzees and their implications
Authors: Krause Mark A. , Beran Michael J.
Published: August 2020

Beginning in the 1960s the first systematic projects dedicated to testing whether great apes could acquire some aspects of human language were conducted. The ape subjects demonstrated remarkable capacities to learn and use elements of either sign language or an artificial language. The results from research across several laboratories drew a mixture of excitement and skepticism, and critiques and debates have ensued since the earliest reports were published. This continues today. Terrace (2019, Nim: A chimpanzee who learned sign language. New York, NY: Columbia University Press) repeats many of the same points made decades earlier, and has added some additional critiques. That scientists hold different perspectives on what to conclude from ape language studies is expected. However, any conclusion one draws should be based upon available evidence, which we outline in this review. We also address the critiques offered by Terrace (2019), including the stance that apes cannot understand or use words. Focusing on symbol use by chimpanzees and bonobos we describe evidence that argues for understanding of words, including capacities for declarative communication and intersubjectivity found in these apes. We conclude that the many decades of research using a variety of symbol systems challenges the absolutist position that chimpanzees and bonobos cannot learn language or understand the concept of a word.
Rechargeable Aluminium–Sulfur Battery with Improved Electrochemical Performance by Cobalt‐Containing Electrocatalyst
Authors: Guo Yue , Hu Zhiqiu , Wang Jiawei , Peng Zhangquan , Zhu Junfa , Ji Hengxing , Wan Li‐Jun
Published: August 2020

The rechargeable aluminium–sulfur (Al–S) battery is regarded as a potential alternative beyond lithium‐ion battery system owing to its safety, promising energy density, and the high earth abundance of the constituent electrode materials, however, sluggish kinetic response and short life‐span are the major issues that limit the battery development towards applications. In this article, we report CoII,III as an electrochemical catalyst in the sulfur cathode that renders a reduced discharge–charge voltage hysteresis and improved capacity retention and rate capability for Al–S batteries. The structural and electrochemical analysis suggest that the catalytic effect of CoII,III is closely associated with the formation of cobalt sulfides and the changes in the valence states of the CoII,III during the electrochemical reactions of the sulfur species, which lead to improved reaction kinetics and sulfur utilization in the cathode. The Al–S battery, assembled with the cathode consisting of CoII,III decorated carbon matrix, demonstrates a considerably reduced voltage hysteresis of 0.8 V, a reversible specific capacity of ≈500 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 200 discharge–charge cycles and of ≈300 mAh g−1 at 3 A g−1.
Flexible C−C Bonds: Reversible Expansion, Contraction, Formation, and Scission of Extremely Elongated Single Bonds
Authors: Shimajiri Takuya , Suzuki Takanori , Ishigaki Yusuke
Published: August 2020

Since carbon–carbon (C−C) covalent bonds are rigid and robust, the bond length is, in general, nearly constant and depends only on the bond order and hybrid orbitals. We report herein direct visualization of the reversible expansion and contraction of a C(sp3)−C(sp3) single bond by light and heat. This flexibility of a C−C bond was demonstrated by X‐ray analysis and Raman spectroscopy of hexaphenylethane (HPE)‐type hydrocarbons with two spiro‐dibenzocycloheptatriene units, the intramolecular [2+2] photocyclization of which and thermal cleavage of the resulting cyclobutane ring both occur in a single‐crystalline phase. The force constant of the contracted C−C bond is 1.6 times greater than that of the expanded bond. Since formation of the cyclobutane ring and contraction of the C−C bond lower the HOMO level by approximately 1 eV, the oxidative properties of these HPEs with a flexible C−C bond can be deactivated/activated by light/heat.
Toward Replacing Ethylene Oxide in a Sustainable World: Glycolaldehyde as a Bio‐Based C2 Platform Molecule
Authors: Faveere William H. , Van Praet Sofie , Vermeeren Benjamin , Dumoleijn Kim N. R. , Moonen Kristof , Taarning Esben , Sels Bert F.
Published: August 2020

Fossil‐based platform molecules such as ethylene and ethylene oxide currently serve as the primary feedstock for the C2‐based chemical industry. However, in the search for a more sustainable chemical industry, fossil‐based resources may preferentially be replaced by renewable alternatives, provided there is realistic economic feasibility. This Review compares and critically discusses several production routes toward bio‐based structural analogues of ethylene oxide and the required adaptations for their implementation in state‐of‐the‐art C2‐based chemical processes. For example, glycolaldehyde, a structural analogue obtainable from carbohydrates by atom‐economic retro‐aldol reactions, may replace ethylene oxide's leading role. This alternative chemical route may not only allow the carbon footprint of conventional chemicals production to be lowered, but the introduction of a bio‐based pathway may also contribute to safer production processes. Where possible, challenges, drawbacks, and prospects are highlighted.
Movement behaviours and survival of largetooth sawfish, Pristis pristis, released from a public aquarium
Authors: Buckley Kathryn A. , Crook David A. , Einoder Luke D. , Pillans Richard D. , Smith Liam D. G. , Kyne Peter M.
Published: August 2020

Public aquaria globally display numerous threatened fish species captured from wild populations. Potential impacts of harvests are rarely evaluated despite the need for improved management and conservation practices.

Sawfishes (Family Pristiidae) are one of the world's most at‐risk fish families. Most commonly displayed (30+ wild caught individuals) is the Critically Endangered largetooth sawfish, Pristis pristis.

Two Australian aquaria release captive P. pristis to the wild as they outgrow displays, intending to offset impacts of the original harvests. The fate of released sawfish is unknown.

Using acoustic telemetry, the behaviour (rates of movement, patterns of habitat use) and survival of aquarium released sawfish (n = 5) were compared to a control group of wild sawfish (n = 5).

Aquarium sawfish had reduced rates of movement, were more sedentary, and occupied smaller activity spaces than wild sawfish; but diel activity and habitat use patterns were similar.

Collectively, mortality was high. Two aquarium sawfish survived to the end of the monitoring period (391 days and 117 days, respectively), and no wild sawfish survived. The mean duration of survival for aquarium and wild sawfish was 157 and 58 days, respectively.

Whilst captivity affected behaviours, the lower mortality rates of aquarium sawfish indicates that releases may partially offset the impact of the original harvest. Further data are required to investigate potential long‐term ecological impacts.

If P. pristis are to be used for aquarium displays, the best conservation outcomes could be achieved by harvesting in the first year of life when natural mortality is highest, followed by release into the freshwater reaches of the natal river where predation risk may be minimized. Size on release should be less than ~2,800 mm total length to allow for migration from the river system as part of their natural life cycle.
Environment‐Wide Association Study (EnWAS) of Prenatal and Perinatal Factors Associated With Autistic Traits: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Amiri Masoud , Lamballais Sander , Geenjaar Eloy , Blanken Laura M. E. , El Marroun Hanan , Tiemeier Henning , White Tonya
Published: August 2020

A combination of genetic and environmental factors contributes to the origins of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While a number of studies have described specific environmental factors associating with emerging ASD, studies that compare and contrast multiple environmental factors in the same study are lacking. Thus, the goal of this study was to perform a prospective, data‐driven environmental‐wide association study of pre‐ and perinatal factors associated with the later development of autistic symptoms in childhood. The participants included 3891 6‐year‐old children from a birth cohort with pre‐ and perinatal data. Autistic symptoms were measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale in all children. Prior to any analyses, the sample was randomly split into a discovery set (2920) and a test set (921). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed for each of 920 variables, correcting for six of the most common covariates in epidemiological studies. We found 111 different pre‐ and perinatal factors associated with autistic traits during childhood. In secondary analyses where we controlled for parental psychopathology, 23 variables in the domains of family and interpersonal relationships were associated with the development of autistic symptoms during childhood. In conclusion, a data‐driven approach was used to identify a number of pre‐ and perinatal risk factors associating with higher childhood autistic symptoms. These factors include measures of parental psychopathology and family and interpersonal relationships. These measures could potentially be used for the early identification of those at increased risk to develop ASD.

Lay Summary

A combination of genetic and environmental factors contributes to the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Each environmental factor may affect the risk of ASD. In a study on 6‐year‐old children, a number of pre‐ and perinatal risk factors were identified that are associated with autistic symptoms in childhood. These factors include measures of parental psychopathology and family and interpersonal relationships. These variables could potentially serve as markers to identify those at increased risk to develop ASD or autistic symptoms. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1582–1600. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Teratogen update: Zika virus and pregnancy
Authors: Rasmussen Sonja A. , Jamieson Denise J.
Published: August 2020

Zika virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 but received little attention until 2015 when a large outbreak of Zika virus illness followed by an increased number of babies born with microcephaly occurred in Brazil. Zika virus spread rapidly throughout the Americas, and in 2016 was identified as a cause of microcephaly and other serious birth defects. Since that time, much has been learned about the Zika virus. The virus is primarily spread by the bite of Aedes species mosquitoes; however, other forms of transmission (e.g., sexual and intrauterine) have been recognized. Although postnatal Zika virus infection typically causes mild or no symptoms, effects on infants born to prenatally infected mothers can be severe and include structural birth defects and neurodevelopmental effects. The risk of a structural birth defect among infants born to mothers with confirmed or suspected Zika virus infection during pregnancy has ranged from 5 to 10%. The timing of Zika infection during pregnancy affects risk, with higher risks with the first‐trimester infection. Neurodevelopmental effects are seen even in infants who appear normal in the newborn period. Although cases of Zika virus infection have fallen in the Americas, the Zika virus remains an active threat in some regions of the world. The development of a Zika vaccine will require continued focus and investment. Until a Zika vaccine is available, prevention efforts for pregnant women include avoidance of travel to areas with active Zika transmission, avoidance of mosquito bites for those living in or traveling to areas with Zika transmission, and protection against sexual transmission.
Enhancing Bioinformatics and Genomics Courses: Building Capacity and Skills via Lab Meeting Activities
Authors: Boudabous Abdellatif , Tekaia Fredj
Published: August 2020

Reading, writing, publishing, and publicly presenting scientific works are vital for a young researcher's profile building and career development. Generally, the traditional educational curricula do not offer training possibilities to learn and practice how to prepare, write, and present scientific works. These are rather a part of lab meeting activities in research groups. The lack of such training is more critical in some developing countries because this adds to the rare opportunities to discuss and become involved in the exchanges on state of the art scientific literature. Here the authors relate their experience in introducing a weekly 1‐day lab meeting in the framework of two previously organized 3‐month courses on “Bioinformatics and Genome Analyses”. The main activities which are developed during these lab meetings include scientific literature follow up as well as preparing and presenting oral and written scientific reviews. These activities prove to be useful for a student's self‐confidence building, for enhancing their active participation during the lectures and practical sessions, as well as for the positive impact on running the whole course program. Incorporation of such lab meeting activities in the course program significantly improves the capacity building of the participants, their analytical and critical reading of scientific literature, as well as communication skills. In this work it is shown how to proceed with the different steps involved in the implementation of lab meeting activities, and to recommend their regular institution in similar courses.