bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strong cosmic censorship in charged de sitter spacetime with scalar field non-minimally coupled to curvature
Authors: Guo Hong , Liu Hang , Kuang Xiao-Mei , Wang Bin
Published: November 2019

We examine the strong cosmic censorship in the Reissner–Nordstrom–de Sitter (RN-dS) black hole by investigating the evolution of a scalar field non-minimally coupled to the curvature. We find that for the stable RN-dS black hole, with the increase of the coupling parameter, the violation of the strong cosmic censorship occurs at a larger critical charge ratio. But such an increase of the critical charge is suppressed by the increase of the cosmological constant. Different from the minimal coupling situation, it is possible to accommodate $$\beta \ge 1$$β≥1 in the near extremal black hole when the scalar field is non-minimally coupled to curvature. $$\beta $$β here is defined as $$\beta \equiv -\frac{\mathrm {Im}\;\omega }{\kappa _{-}}$$β≡-Imωκ- where $$\kappa _{-}$$κ- is the surface gravity of Cauchy horizon and $$\omega $$ω is the frequency of quasinormal modes. The increase of the cosmological constant can allow $$\beta \ge 1$$β≥1 to be satisfied for even smaller value of the coupling parameter. The existence of $$\beta \ge 1$$β≥1 implies that the resulting curvature can continuously cross the Cauchy horizon.
Cosmological perturbations and dynamical analysis for interacting quintessence
Authors: Landim Ricardo G.
Published: November 2019

We present the dynamical analysis for interacting quintessence, considering linear cosmological perturbations. Matter perturbations improve the background analysis and viable critical points describing the transition of the three cosmological eras are found. The stability of those fixed points are similar to previous studies in the literature, for both coupled and uncoupled cases, leading to a late-time attractor.
Bridging Theory and Practice with Query Log Analysis
Authors: Martens Wim , Trautner Tina
Published: November 2019

Since large structured query logs have recently become available, we have a new opportunity to gain insights in the types of queries that users ask. Even though such logs can be quite volatile, there are various new observations that can be made about the structure of queries inside them, on which we report here. Furthermore, building on an extensive analysis that has been done on such logs, we were able to provide a theoretical explanation why regular path queries in graph database applications behave better than worst-case complexity results suggest at first sight.
Technical Perspective
Authors: Kimelfeld Benny , Martens Wim
Published: November 2019

The challenge of entity matching is that of identifying when different data items (often referred to as records or mentions) refer to the same real-life entity. Popular instantiations of this problem include deduplication, where the items are database records that include duplicate representations of the same entity (e.g., duplicate profiles in a social network) [2], record linkage, where the items come from different data sources that mention overlapping sets of entities (e.g., the profiles of two social networks) [5], and schema matching, where the items are attributes of different database schemas that intersect on their domain of interest (e.g., the database schemas of different social networks) [6].
Technical Perspective
Authors: Martens Wim
Published: November 2019

The paper Efficient Query Processing for Dynamically Changing Datasets, by Muhammad Idris, Mart´n Ugarte, Stijn Vansummeren, Hannes Voigt, and Wolfgang Lehner studies two central aspects of answering queries: (1) enumerating the answers to a query and (2) changing data. It is based on two papers by the same authors or a subset thereof, namely The Dynamic Yannakakis Algorithm: Compact and Efficient Query Processing Under Updates [4] and Conjunctive Queries with Inequalities Under Updates [5].
How Do Humans and Data Systems Establish a CommonQuery Language?
Authors: McCamish Ben , Ghadakchi Vahid , Termehchy Arash , Huang Liang , Touri Behrouz
Published: November 2019

As most users do not precisely know the structure and/or the content of databases, their queries do not exactly reflect their information needs. While database management systems (DBMS) may interact with users and use their feedback on the returned results to learn the information needs behind their queries, current query interfaces assume that users do not learn and modify the way way they express their information needs in form of queries during their interaction with the DBMS. Using a real-world interaction workload, we show that users learn and modify how to express their information needs during their interactions with the DBMS and their learning is accurately modeled by a well-known reinforcement learning mechanism. As current data interaction systems assume that users do not modify their strategies, they cannot discover the information needs behind users' queries effectively. We model the interaction between users and DBMS as a game with identical interest between two rational agents whose goal is to establish a common language for representing information needs in form of queries. We propose a reinforcement learning method that learns and answers the information needs behind queries and adapts to the changes in users' strategies and prove that it stochastically improves the effectiveness of answering queries. We propose two efficient implementation of this method over large relational databases. Our empirical studies over realworld query workloads indicate that our algorithms are efficient and effective.
MATLANG
Authors: Brijder Robert , Geerts Floris , Van den Bussche Jan , Weerwag Timmy
Published: November 2019

We investigate the expressive power of MATLANG, a formal language for matrix manipulation based on common matrix operations and linear algebra. The language can be extended with the operation inv for inverting a matrix. In MATLANG + inv we can compute the transitive closure of directed graphs, whereas we show that this is not possible without inversion. Indeed we show that the basic language can be simulated in the relational algebra with arithmetic operations, grouping, and summation. We also consider an operation eigen for diagonalizing a matrix. It is defined such that for each eigenvalue a set of orthogonal eigenvectors is returned that span the eigenspace of that eigenvalue. We show that inv can be expressed in MATLANG + eigen. We put forward the open question whether there are boolean queries about matrices, or generic queries about graphs, expressible in MATLANG+eigen but not in MATLANG+inv. Finally, the evaluation problem for MATLANG + eigen is shown to be complete for the complexity class 9R.
Online Model Management via Temporally Biased Sampling
Authors: Hentschel Brian , Haas Peter J. , Tian Yuanyuan
Published: November 2019

To maintain the accuracy of supervised learning models in the presence of evolving data streams, we provide temporallybiased sampling schemes that weight recent data most heavily, with inclusion probabilities for a given data item decaying exponentially over time. We then periodically retrain the models on the current sample. We provide and analyze both a simple sampling scheme (T-TBS) that probabilistically maintains a target sample size and a novel reservoirbased scheme (R-TBS) that is the first to provide both control over the decay rate and a guaranteed upper bound on the sample size. The R-TBS and T-TBS schemes are of independent interest, extending the known set of unequalprobability sampling schemes. We discuss distributed implementation strategies; experiments in Spark show that our approach can increase machine learning accuracy and robustness in the face of evolving data.
Mycorrhizal Fungi as Mediators of Soil Organic Matter Dynamics
Authors: Frey Serita D.
Published: November 2019

Inhabiting the interface between plant roots and soil, mycorrhizal fungi play a unique but underappreciated role in soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics. Their hyphae provide an efficient mechanism for distributing plant carbon throughout the soil, facilitating its deposition into soil pores and onto mineral surfaces, where it can be protected from microbial attack. Mycorrhizal exudates and dead tissues contribute to the microbial necromass pool now known to play a dominant role in SOM formation and stabilization. While mycorrhizal fungi lack the genetic capacity to act as saprotrophs, they use several strategies to access nutrients locked in SOM and thereby promote its decay, including direct enzymatic breakdown, oxidation via Fenton chemistry, and stimulation of heterotrophic microorganisms through carbon provision to the rhizosphere. An additional mechanism, competition with free-living saprotrophs, potentially suppresses SOM decomposition, leading to its accumulation. How these various nutrient acquisition strategies differentially influence SOM formation, stabilization, and loss is an area of critical research need.
Management of an Extremely Low Birth Weight Infant with Bilateral Renal Obstruction Caused byCandida albicansFungus Balls
Authors: Brüning Fabian , Hegele Axel , Klaus Günter , Maier Rolf F. , Hofmann Rainer
Published: November 2019

We report an extremely low birth weight infant with anuria caused by bilateralCandida albicansfungus balls it was treated with a combination of antifungal therapy, irrigation and pyelotomy. This lead to a recovery of renal function, after a follow-up of 77 month no more Candida was cultured from urine.
Late Onset of the Fabella Syndrome after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Kimura Takeshi , Tanikawa Hidenori , Hasegawa Takayuki , Takeda Kentaro , Harato Kengo , Kobayashi Shu , Niki Yasuo , Okuma Kazunari
Published: November 2019

Some differential diagnosis is thought due to knee pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and fabella syndrome may cause post-TKA pain due to mechanical irritation. In this present case, a 64-year-old woman experienced lateral knee pain which was localized at the iliotibial ligament 8 years after the surgery. Fabella syndrome was diagnosed, and fabellectomy provided immediate resolution of the pain. The previous reports have revealed the symptoms occurred after 6 days to a year after total knee arthroplasty. This case widens the time span and the consideration of the fabella syndrome. The reason of this late onset symptom could be due to the enlargement of the fabella over time. We report that the differential diagnosis of fabella syndrome should be thought in symptoms of late onset knee pain after total knee arthroplasty.
Extended‐State‐Observer‐Based Terminal Sliding Mode Tracking Control for Synchronous Fly‐Around with Space Tumbling Target
Authors: Chen Zhijun , Zhao Yong , Bai Yuzhu , Ran Dechao , He Liang
Published: November 2019

This paper presents a robust controller with an extended state observer to solve the Synchronous Fly‐Around problem of a chaser spacecraft approaching a tumbling target in the presence of unknown uncertainty and bounded external disturbance. The rotational motion and time‐varying docking trajectory of tumbling target are given in advance and referred as the desired tracking objective. Based on dual quaternion framework, a six‐degree‐of‐freedom coupled relative motion between two spacecrafts is modeled, in which the coupling effect, model uncertainties, and external disturbances are considered. More specially, a novel nonsingular terminal sliding mode is designed to ensure the convergence to the desired trajectory in finite time. Based on the second‐order sliding mode, an extended state observer is employed to the controller to compensate the closed‐loop system. By theoretical analysis, it is proved that the modified extended‐state‐observer‐based controller guarantees the finite‐time stabilization. Numerical simulations are taken to show the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed control scheme. Finally, Synchronous Fly‐Around maneuvers can be accomplished with fast response and high accuracy.
Prevalence of Tongue Cleaning Using a Toothbrush: A Questionnaire Survey in Fukui Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Matsuda Shinpei , Saito Takehisa , Yoshida Hisato , Yoshimura Hitoshi , Sano Kazuo
Published: November 2019

Objective.The aim of this study was to investigate the tongue cleaning habits using toothbrushes among outpatients of the University of Fukui Hospital and a private hospital in Fukui Prefecture.Methods.We administered a questionnaire survey to volunteers detailing tongue cleaning habits using toothbrushes. The content of the questions in this survey were as follows: gender, age, frequency of tongue cleaning, portion of tongue cleaning, and purposes of tongue cleaning.Results.We had 1,014 volunteers of various ages participating in this study. Regarding the frequency of tongue cleaning, 187 (18.4%) of all participants replied, “Every day”, and 346 (34.1%) replied, “Sometimes”. Regarding tongue cleaning of the 533 participants with active tongue cleaning habits, 242 (45.4%) participants replied, “The center of the dorsum of the tongue”, and 274 (51.4%) replied, “The entire tongue”. When analyzing the purpose of tongue cleaning, 346 (64.9%) participants replied, “To remove the tongue stain”, 192 (36.0%) participants replied, “To remove the tongue coating”, and 240 (45.0%) participants replied, “To manage halitosis”.Conclusions.This study clarified that a wide range of age groups in the nonhospitalized general public practiced tongue cleaning habits using a toothbrush for various purposes.
Cross-Layer Optimized Energy-Balanced Topology Control Algorithm for WSNs
Authors: Du Yongwen , Wang Zhangmin , Gong Junhui , Xu Ning , Hu Xiaohui
Published: November 2019

Because of the complexity of the environment and the limited resources of nodes, there will be an imbalanced energy consumption and a short life among nodes in the wireless sensor network. In this paper, by introducing the concept of game theory and supermodel game theory, we solve the challenge of a wireless sensor network topology control method based on cross-layer information design. The cross-layer information such as node degree, network connectivity, and MAC layer interference is integrated into the design of utility function to establish a new topological game model. Then, based on this topology control model, we propose a cross-layer optimized energy-balanced topology control algorithm (COETC). Compared with other algorithms, our COETC algorithm not only guarantees the network connectivity and robustness while reducing the required node transmitting power but also achieves good energy balance and high energy efficiency. Ultimately, our method effectively prolongs network lifetime and improves network performance.
Isolated Small Finger Distal Interphalangeal Joint Dupuytren’s Contracture
Authors: Mehdi Syed K. , King John D. , Keshtvarz Sara , Kamineni Srinath , Dhawan Vikas
Published: November 2019

Dupuytren’s contracture is a disease involving abnormal myofibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition leading to the formation of pathologic cords in the hand. Given that Dupuytren’s contractures rarely extend to the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP), affecting only 5% of patients, there are few cases reported in the literature. Collagenase injection is a frequently used option for minimally invasive treatment of Dupuytren’s disease with greater than a 20-degree joint contracture. Unfortunately, there is limited research on the effectiveness of these injections in isolated DIP joint deformities. We present a case of a 61-year-old right hand-dominant male with a 2-year history of isolated right small finger Dupuytren’s contracture at the DIP joint who achieved significant improvement after collagenase injection.
A Family of Binary Univariate Nonstationary Quasi‐Interpolatory Subdivision Reproducing Exponential Polynomials
Authors: Zhang Baoxing , Zheng Hongchan , Pan Lulu , Peng Guohua , Song Weijie
Published: November 2019

In this paper, by suitably using the so‐called push‐back operation, a connection between the approximating and interpolatory subdivision, a new family of nonstationary subdivision schemes is presented. Each scheme of this family is a quasi‐interpolatory scheme and reproduces a certain space of exponential polynomials. This new family of schemes unifies and extends quite a number of the existing interpolatory schemes reproducing exponential polynomials and noninterpolatory schemes like the cubic exponential B‐spline scheme. For these new schemes, we investigate their convergence, smoothness, and accuracy and show that they can reach higher smoothness orders than the interpolatory schemes with the same reproduction property and better accuracy than the exponential B‐spline schemes. Several examples are given to illustrate the performance of these new schemes.
Qualitative Analysis of Air Freshener Spray
Authors: Ibrahim ALshaer Fatima , Fuad ALBaharna Dalal , Ahmed Hafiz Omer , Ghiyath Anas Mohammed , Mohammed ALJassmi Jasem
Published: November 2019

Air fresheners contain various chemicals that may or may not be harmful to human health and the environment. These products are widely used in different settings such as homes, schools, offices, and hospitals with ignorance of their real ingredients and their relative health effects. Thus, this preliminary study was carried out to identify the presence of different compounds in spray air fresheners that were not disclosed on the product’s label. Four different brands of spray air fresheners were selected randomly from a local store, in which two were of mid-to-high cost and the remaining two of low cost. The samples were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry headspace, in which single components of the samples were identified by the mass spectrometry detector. The results were shown as a chromatogram of several peaks, each representing different compounds. The chemicals found in the samples include; lilial, galaxolide, benzenemethanol, musk ketone, butylated hydroxytoluene, and linalool. These chemicals may cause irritation and other health problems. However, none of them were revealed on the product’s label. The study concludes that air fresheners need to be free of any toxic or harmful chemicals and include natural ingredients instead.
On the Observability of Leader‐Based Multiagent Systems with Fixed Topology
Authors: Liu Bo , Xu Ningsheng , Su Housheng , Wu Licheng , Bai Jiahui
Published: November 2019

This paper investigates the observability of first‐order, second‐order, and high‐order leader‐based multiagent systems (MASs) with fixed topology, respectively. Some new algebraic and graphical characterizations of the observability for the first‐order MASs are established based on agreement protocols. Moreover, under the same leader‐following framework with the predefined topology and leader assignment, the observability conditions for systems of double‐integrator and high‐integrator agents are also obtained. Finally, the effectiveness of the theoretical results is verified by numerical examples and simulations.
Insulin Action in the Hypothalamus Increases Second-Phase Insulin Secretion in Humans
Authors: Heni Martin , Wagner Robert , Willmann Caroline , Jaghutriz Benjamin Assad , Vosseler Andreas , Kübler Christian , Hund Verena , Scheffler Klaus , Peter Andreas , Häring Hans-Ulrich , Preissl Hubert , Kullmann Stephanie , Fritsche Andreas
Published: November 2019

Background: Animal studies and initial correlative data in humans indicate that insulin action in the brain may affect pancreatic insulin secretion. An important brain region for this process is the hypothalamus, an area that can develop insulin resistance. Methods: Fifteen young, healthy men (27 ± 3 years) with a wide BMI spectrum (20–30 kg/m2) underwent 2 hyperglycemic clamps (target blood glucose: 10 mmol/L). In this double-blind study, subjects received 160 U of insulin or placebo as a nasal spray on 2 days in randomized order. On another day, insulin sensitivity of the hypothalamus was determined by functional magnetic resonance imaging. Results: Glucose levels were comparable on both study days. In the whole group, C-peptide levels were not significantly different between conditions. Though, there was a significant interaction between insulin sensitivity of the hypothalamus × nasal spray × time on C-peptide levels (p = 10–6). The group was therefore divided according to median hypothalamic insulin sensitivity. C-peptide concentrations were higher after intranasal insulin compared to placebo spray in the group with a strong hypothalamic insulin response (p < 0.0001, β = 6.00 ± 1.24) and lower in the brain insulin-resistant group (p = 0.005, β = –2.68 ± 0.95). Neither somatostatin nor glucagon kinetics was altered by the nasal spray. Conclusions: In participants with high hypothalamic insulin sensitivity, insulin action in the brain enhanced second-phase insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. This reaction could, for example, contribute to late postprandial glucose regulation by suppressing hepatic glucose production by portal venous insulin.
Taxonomy and distribution of pimpline parasitoids (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Pimplinae) in Ukraine
Authors: VARGA OLEKSANDR
Published: November 2019

Data on the ichneumonid parasitoid wasps of the subfamily Pimplinae from Ukraine are summarized. The fauna of the Ukrainian pimplines numbers 35 genera and 146 species equivalent to almost 63% of European fauna. Twenty-four species are recorded from Ukraine for the first time. Pimpla femorella Kasparyan, 1974 is a first record for Western Palaearctic. The highest species richness (91–94 spp.) occurs in Ivano-Frankivsk and Transcarpathian Regions situated mostly in the Carpathian Mountains basin. The Carpathian Montane Forests were found to be the most species rich (112 species) of the six ecoregions present in Ukraine. The flight period of Pimplinae-wasps in Ukraine lasts nine months with a maximum number of species collected in June and genera in July respectively.
A new species of Hygrogeus Mulsant & Rey, 1880 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Omaliinae: Anthophagini) from Xizang, China
Authors: CHENG ZHI-FEI , PENG ZHONG
Published: November 2019

The first species of the genus Hygrogeus Mulsant & Rey (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Omaliinae: Anthophagini) from China is described, under the name of Hygrogeus chinensis sp. n.. The type material has been collected from West Duoxiongla Mountain and Sejila Pass in Xizang, China; the habitus, aedeagus, mouthparts of the new species are illustrated.
Description of a new species of the genus Dendrothrips Uzel (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) from Japan
Authors: NOGUCHI SOICHIRO , MASUMOTO MASAMI
Published: November 2019

A new species, Dendrothrips kinape, is described and illustrated from Oryza sativa at Hokkaidô, Japan. In this genus, this species is very peculiar in its uniformly pale body color and in its host plant (first record from Monocotyledoneae). A key to Japanese species of the genus is provided.
Investigation of the Crack Propagation Behavior of the Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube/Graphite/Natural Rubber Hybrid Nanocomposites Using Digital Image Correlation Technique
Authors: Kasim Hasan , Aldeen Ahmad Naser , Can Yücel , Yazici Murat
Published: November 2019

In the presented study, a hybrid Natural Rubber (NR) based semiconductive nanocomposites was examined to obtain better electrical and mechanical properties. The hybrid nanocomposite produced by incorporation of the Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) and graphite nanoparticles into
the NR. The conventional curing additives also included in the compound. A functionalized MWCNT (1, 2 and 3 phr's) with 3 phr graphite quotas were studied to produce the NR nanocomposites. The MWCNT/Graphite and NR mixed homogeneously to advance the interfacial interaction with the matrix.
The graphite nano-particulates added to obtain 3D electrical connectivity network in the hybrid nanocomposites by becoming bridging points between multiwalled carbon nanotubes. Nanocomposites were produced as 3 mm sheets in a steel mold by vulcanizing at 165 °C for 10 min under pressure.
The single-edge notched tension specimens were subjected to estimate crack propagation and electrical resistance relation. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique was used to observe the crack resistivity function. The results evaluated to clarify the relationship between crack length, MWCNT
filler ratio, and electrical conductivity properties. MWCNTs are generally preferred as the reinforcements for their very high aspect ratio and excellent specific surface area properties. However, the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites is owing to the constitution of a continuous
conductive 3D network of MWCNT and Graphite in the NR matrix.
Study on the Properties of Organic–Inorganic Hole Transport Materials in Perovskite Based on First-Principles
Authors: Diao Xin-Feng , Tang Yan-Lin , Xie Quan , Tang Tian-Yu , Lou Jia , Yuan Li
Published: November 2019

Newport Inc. was licensed recently by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory of the United States to update the highest efficiency of the perovskite solar cell (PSC) certification of PSCs by 23.7%. Exploring new hole transfer layer is the key to the future development of PSC. In this
paper, we constructed seven organic hole transport material molecules such as copper-phthalocyanine (CuPc), 2',7'-bis(bis(4-methoxyphenyl)amino)spiro[cyclopenta-[2,1-b:3,4-b']dithiophene-4,9'-fluorene] (FDT), Poly-triarylamine (PTAA), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxy thiophene)/poly(styrenesulfonate)
(PEDOT/PSS) poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and six in-organic hole transport material molecules such as CuCSN, CuI, InCuS2, CuO, Cu2O, NiO with Material Studio software. By the structure optimization, their energy band, density of state (DOS), HOMO/lowest unoccupied orbit
(LUMO) energy level and absorption spectrum were calculated. Furthermore, the HOMO/LUMO electron cloud distribution map of FDT molecule was analyzed in detail. The results show that the electron cloud is closer to the nucleus with the increase of the isopotential surface value. From the absorption
spectra, the absorption wavelengths of most inorganic hole transport materials are mainly concentrated at about 200 nm, which is relatively short. But the absorption wavelengths of organic hole transport materials are distributed in long wavelength region, most of them are above 2000 nm. Only
the absorption spectra of PTAA, Spiro OMetad and CuPc are in the range of solar spectrum. The HOMO energy levels of seven organic hole transport materials are slightly higher than the values of valence band of CH3NH3PbI3 and NH2CH = NH2PbI3,
which are favorable for carrier injection and transport. The band gap of inorganic hole transport materials CuCSN and CuI is wider. From the energy band structure curve, the effective mass of NiO, CuO, Cu2O carriers is smaller, which the carrier transport rate is relatively high.
The hole transport material must have high hole mobility and hole conductivity so as to ensure the effective transport of the hole at the interface between the hole transport layer and the perovskite layer.
Plasma Etching of SiON Films Using Liquefied C7F14 Gas as Perfluorocarbon Alternative
Authors: Lee Jaemin , Kim Jihun , Lee Junmyung , Lee Hyun Woo , Kwon Kwang-Ho
Published: November 2019

In this study, we evaluated the possibility of replacing existing perfluorocarbon gas with C7F14, which can be recovered in its liquid state from room-temperature air. We performed plasma etching of SiON films using the CF4 + X + O2 mixed
gas, where X = CHF3, C4F8, or C7F14, and examined the etching characteristics of the films (e.g., etching rate, etching profile, and selectivity over Si). Using contact angle goniometry, atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy, we analyzed the physicochemical changes in the etched SiON film surface. Moreover, optical emission spectroscopy and double Langmuir probe measurements were carried out for plasma diagnosis. Compared with the conventional CHF3 and C4F8 mixed plasma,
the C7F14 mixed plasma exhibited a more perpendicular etching profile with higher SiON/Si selectivity and a smoother surface.
Synthesis of Durable Superhydrophobic Coating and Its Applications in Oil/Water Separation
Authors: Xi Guo-Qiang , Li Jun-Feng , Deng Hui , Ma Ming-Guo
Published: November 2019

Superhydrophobic surfaces have received enormous attention thanking to their potential applications in the areas of anti-icing, anti-contamination, and oil/water separation. Herein, we have successfully prepared superhydrophobic surfaces, which were synthesized by using the polydimethylsiloxane
(PDMS) as adhesive and the magnesium palmitate (Mg-P) were evently coated to form roughness on the surfaces of glass, textile, stainless steel mesh, and paper. The as-fabricated superhydrophobic surfaces possessed excellent water-resistance, self-cleaning properties, durability, and robustness.
Remarkably, in the actual oil/water separation, the water contact angle and oil collection efficiency of the superhydrophobic mesh were still more than 150° and 91% even after separation over 10 cycles, respectively. Thus, the superhydrophobic coating has applications potential in self-cleaning,
anti-contamination, and oil/water separation fields.
Electrochemical Sensor Based on Electrospun Three-Dimensional Carbon Nanofibers to Determine Trace Levels of Cu(II)
Authors: Cheng Hao , Zhou Zhengyuan , Qin Danfeng , Huang Wenyi , Feng Jun , Tang Tingfan , Hu Guangzhi , Li Lijun
Published: November 2019

In this study, a three-dimensional carbon nanofiber network was formed by first electrospinning a mixed solution of montmorillonite (MMT) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and then carbonizing the composite nanofiber and etching it with hydrofluoric acid. The form and morphology of the nanofibers
were analysized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman microspectroscopy (Raman), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The sensor fabricated on three-dimensional carbon nanofiber showed a good linear response (y = 0.076x – 0.110, R2 = 0.999,
and y = 0.193x – 1.770, R2 = 0.998), high stability and selectivity, and a low detection limit (0.4 μg · L–1) for Cu(II) as measured using differential pulse voltammetry under the optimal conditions, and the method mentioned
above was also used to analyze Cu(II) in real tap water samples, which had good recoveries.
Synthesis of Hydrophobic Cationic Polymeric Flocculants by the Introduction of a Hydrophobic Monomer, Cationic Monomer and the Application in Sludge Dewatering
Authors: Khan Sarfaraz , Liu Yongzhi , Zheng Huaili , Sun Qiang , Navarro Andrea , Zheng Xinyu , Ding Wei
Published: November 2019

Dewatering pre-treatment, chemical conditions for sludge are practical approaches to advance the performance of sludge-dewatering, hence lessen the cost of sludge transportation and treatment. Cationic polymeric flocculants are used as chemical regulators because of their excellent
performance and economic advantages. Current research focused on synthesizing flocculants Polyacrylamide, methacrylamido propyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, Lauryl acrylate, and Poly Acrylamide, methacrylamido propyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (PAT). The synthesis was achieved by ultraviolet
initiated (UV-initiated)-induced polymerization technique. The chemical composition of the samples was investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). This study also evaluated the thermal stability of PATL and
PAT by using thermogravimetric/differential scanning calorimetry (TGA). Moreover, the results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the strong floc structure has the ability to form porous and channel construction, making the filter cake a constructive drainage way. It is able to
be used for water release and therefore helps to improve dehydration capacity. The hydrophobic flocculants properties in water were investigated by initiator concentration, initiation time and urea concentration. The experimental results confirmed that the optimal values for preparation of
PATL were composed of initiator concentration of 0.4 wt.‰, urea level of 1.2 wt.‰; molar ratio of MPTAC to AM (5:95), irradiation time of 60 min and flocculants intrinsic viscosity of 1350 mL/g. Furthermore, it was found that PATL had stronger hydrophobic collaboration with satisfactory
water solubility and also improved the dewatering performance. Sludge dewatering experiments confirmed that filter cake moisture content (FCMC) and specific resistance to filtration (SRF) for PATL flocculants reached to 65% and 6 × 1012 m/kg, respectively at the optimal dosage
of dry solids about 30 mg · L–1 of sludge, exhibiting better performance than the conventional cationic flocculants (PAT).
A Physically Based Atmospheric Variables Downscaling Technique
Authors: Rouf Tasnuva , Mei Yiwen , Maggioni Viviana , Houser Paul , Noonan Margaret
Published: November 2019

This study proposes a physically based downscaling approach for a set of atmospheric variables that relies on correlations with landscape information, such as topography, surface roughness, and vegetation. A proof-of-concept has been implemented over Oklahoma, where high-resolution, high-quality observations are available for validation purposes. Hourly North America Land Data Assimilation System version 2 (NLDAS-2) meteorological data (i.e., near-surface air temperature, pressure, humidity, wind speed, and incident longwave and shortwave radiation) have been spatially downscaled from their original 1/8° resolution to a 500-m grid over the study area during 2015. Results show that correlation coefficients between the downscaled products and ground observations are consistently higher than the ones between the native resolution NLDAS-2 data and ground observations. Furthermore, the downscaled variables present smaller biases than the original ones with respect to ground observations. Results are therefore encouraging toward the use of the 500-m dataset for land surface and hydrological modeling. This would be especially useful in regions where ground-based observations are sparse or not available altogether, and where downscaled global reanalysis products may be the only option for model inputs at scales that are useful for decision-making.
A novel method for producing bi-component thermo-regulating alginate fiber from phase change material microemulsion
Authors: Wang Yan , Yao Juming , Zhu Guocheng , Militky Jiri , Marek Jaromir , Venkataraman Mohanapriya , Zhang Guoqing
Published: November 2019

A novel method for fabricating thermo-regulating alginate fiber by wet spinning from phase change material (PCM) microemulsions was proposed and carried out. In order to synthesize the PCM microemulsion successfully, different emulsifiers (alkylphenol polyoxyethylene ether (OP-10), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and their mixture) were added into the stock solution system. The solution systems with emulsifiers were observed under optical microscope and evaluated by using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC); the results showed that only the solution system with the mixture of OP-10 and SDS transformed into PCM microemulsion, corresponding to the success of fiber formation by wet spinning. In addition, the microemulsion had a stable thermal property based on the DSC result, in which the latent heat capacity remained at 97.3% after 100 cycles of heating and cooling. The thermo-regulating alginate fiber was evaluated in terms of morphology, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The results showed that the fiber had a smooth surface and porous structure in the cross-section, the bimodal TG curve of alginate fiber indicated that the PCM was successfully embedded into fiber and the DSC results demonstrated that the thermo-regulating alginate fiber had a comfortable phase change temperature of 25–35℃, and an acceptable phase change enthalpy of about 20 J/g.
Design of nonlinear anti-windup compensator for time-delayed systems based on triple Lyapunov Functional
Authors: Pal Vipin Chandra , Negi Richa , Mudgal Ishaan
Published: November 2019

In this paper, an internal model control based anti-windup compensator (AWC) is designed for nonlinear systems subjected to time-varying delay and input saturation. By using Lyapunov Krasvoskii Functional, less conservative linear matrix inequality (LMI) based delay-dependent stability condition is derived by utilizing the information of delay. Triple integral Lyapunov Functional is used for finding the gains of AWC to guarantee the closed loop stability of the system and reduce the conservatism. The saturation nonlinearity is taken into account by using sector condition. Finally, the efficacy of proposed approach is shown by numerical examples.
Augmented Reality: Creating and Implementing Digital Classroom Supports
Authors: Carreon Adam , Smith Sean J. , Rowland Amber
Published: November 2019

Augmented reality (AR) is an emerging technology that can help educators enhance their classrooms. With one-to-one initiatives and application (app) development creating affordable technology, teachers have more access to innovative supports for their students with disabilities’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioral skill development. Using AR, teachers can provide multimedia support while utilizing the student’s own environment. There are multiple apps available for teacher usage, which are free across multiple platforms and/or devices. This article describes exactly what AR is and how it can be used to support students with disabilities. An app is introduced to get started in the classroom with additional ways to utilize AR for learning.
Quality of Life in Children with Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Ronner Evette A. , Benchetrit Liliya , Levesque Patricia , Basonbul Razan A. , Cohen Michael S.
Published: November 2019

Objective

To assess quality of life (QOL) in pediatric patients with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL 4.0) and the Hearing Environments and Reflection on Quality of Life 26 (HEAR‐QL‐26) and HEAR‐QL‐28 surveys.

Study Design

Prospective longitudinal study.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

Surveys were administered to patients with SNHL (ages 2‐18 years) from July 2016 to December 2018 at a multidisciplinary hearing loss clinic. Patients aged >7 years completed the HEAR‐QL‐26, HEAR‐QL‐28, and PedsQL 4.0 self‐report tool, while parents completed the PedsQL 4.0 parent proxy report for children aged ≤7 years. Previously published data from children with normal hearing were used for controls. The independent t test was used for analysis.

Results

In our cohort of 100 patients, the mean age was 7.7 years (SD, 4.5): 62 participants had bilateral SNHL; 63 had mild to moderate SNHL; and 37 had severe to profound SNHL. Sixty‐eight patients used a hearing device. Mean (SD) total survey scores for the PedsQL 4.0 (ages 2‐7 and 8‐18 years), HEAR‐QL‐26 (ages 7‐12 years), and HEAR‐QL‐28 (ages 13‐18 years) were 83.9 (14.0), 79.2 (11.1), 81.2 (9.8), and 77.5 (11.3), respectively. Mean QOL scores for patients with SNHL were significantly lower than those for controls on the basis of previously published normative data (P <. 0001). There was no significant difference in QOL between children with unilateral and bilateral SNHL or between children with SNHL who did and did not require a hearing device. Low statistical power due to small subgroup sizes limited our analysis.

Conclusion

It is feasible to collect QOL data from children with SNHL in a hearing loss clinic. Children with SNHL had significantly lower scores on validated QOL instruments when compared with peers with normal hearing.
Decoupling and Teaming up: The Rise and Proliferation of Transnational Municipal Networks in the Field of Migration
Authors: Oomen Barbara
Published: November 2019

Cities claim an ever-larger role in migration governance, often by means of progressive policies that “decouple” the local from the national. The literature on this “local turn” has generally failed to recognize how this decoupling increasingly takes place within the context of Transnational Municipal Networks (TMNs). On the basis of a database of the 20 most important TMNs in refugee and migrant welcome and integration in Europe and additional empirical research, this article identifies and analyzes their main characteristics, composition, and activities in a multiscalar context, thus contributing to a better understanding of migration governance. It argues that these networks, by means of a wide variety of activities, serve a practical but also a symbolic and jurisgenerative purpose. These implicit and explicit objectives of city networking also account for the proliferation of TMNs witnessed across Europe since 2015. In “teaming up,” European cities not only share practical experiences but also develop narratives about migration that counter national, more restrictive discourses and contribute to the global legal framework, as was the case with the Global Compact on Refugees and Migrants. It is this practical, symbolic, and jurisgenerative role of TMNs, in times of increasingly restrictive national policies, that makes these networks key actors in contesting but also improving global migration governance.
Mode of Difference and Resource for Resilience: How Religion Shapes Experiences of Discrimination of the Second Generation in France
Authors: Soehl Thomas
Published: November 2019

There are two sides to cultural practices such as religion: on the one hand, they connect families across generations and space and can embed resources. On the other, as is the case with Muslim immigrants in Europe, they can become markers of difference and create social distance. Drawing on data on the schooling experiences of children of immigrants in France and on information concerning their religious and linguistic family context when growing up, this article maps these two aspects. Although those growing up in Muslim families are significantly more likely to report discrimination than those from Christian or nonreligious families, neither the degree of religiosity nor the presence of parental home-country language was associated with the probability of reporting discrimination. However, for those growing up in Muslim families, a religious family environment seems to protect against negative reactions such as losing interest in academic matters, whereas no such effects are found in Christian families or for home-country language. These findings show that religion is not only a consequential symbolic barrier that Muslims encounter in Europe but also, for those who are religious, a resource to cope with experiences of exclusion — a constellation that may prove consequential for dynamics of integration.
Book review: Sabyasachi Dasgupta, In Defence of Honour and Justice: Sepoy Rebellions in the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Farooqui Amar
Published: November 2019

Sabyasachi Dasgupta, In Defence of Honour and Justice: Sepoy Rebellions in the Nineteenth Century, Primus Books, Delhi, 2015, x + 143 pp., ₹795 (Hardback).
Social capital and job search assistance: A multilevel analysis of East Asian countries
Authors: Kim Harris Hyun-soo
Published: November 2019

This study analyzes the network antecedents of receiving job search assistance, specifically how and to what extent social capital relates to this process. Data come from probability samples on four East Asian countries. Hierarchical linear models are estimated to investigate the associations between social capital and inequality in the receipt of information and influence from personal contacts during job search. Adjusting for confounders, organizational affiliation, civic participation, and frequency of social interaction significantly predict the rate of assistance. Also significant are network size and diversity. Net of compositional effects, regional-level civic participation is further associated with the outcome. Finally, three significant cross-level interactions are observed with respect to social network characteristics (size and diversity). Understanding why some people receive more job search assistance is fundamental to status attainment and labor market inequality. Findings herein shed new light on this critical, yet underexplored, issue.
Does cannabis use modify the effect of post-traumatic stress disorder on severe depression and suicidal ideation? Evidence from a population-based cross-sectional study of Canadians
Authors: Lake Stephanie , Kerr Thomas , Buxton Jane , Walsh Zach , Marshall Brandon DL , Wood Evan , Milloy M-J
Published: November 2019

Background:

Post-traumatic stress disorder sharply increases the risk of depression and suicide. Individuals living with post-traumatic stress disorder frequently use cannabis to treat associated symptoms. We sought to investigate whether cannabis use modifies the association between post-traumatic stress disorder and experiencing a major depressive episode or suicidal ideation.

Methods:

We used data from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of non-institutionalized Canadians aged ⩾15 years. The relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder and each outcome was modelled using logistic regression with an interaction term for cannabis and post-traumatic stress disorder, controlling for demographic characteristics, mental health, and substance use comorbidities. The ratio of odds ratios and relative excess risk due to interaction was calculated to measure interaction on the multiplicative and additive scales, respectively.

Results:

Among 24,089 eligible respondents, 420 (1.7%) reported a current clinical diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. In total, 106 (28.2%) people with post-traumatic stress disorder reported past-year cannabis use, compared to 11.2% of those without post-traumatic stress disorder ( p < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, post-traumatic stress disorder was significantly associated with recent major depressive episode (adjusted odds ratio = 7.18, 95% confidence interval: 4.32–11.91) and suicidal ideation (adjusted odds ratio = 4.76, 95% confidence interval: 2.39–9.47) among cannabis non-users. post-traumatic stress disorder was not associated with either outcome among cannabis-using respondents (both p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

This study provides preliminary epidemiological evidence that cannabis use may contribute to reducing the association between post-traumatic stress disorder and severe depressive and suicidal states. There is an emerging need for high-quality experimental investigation of the efficacy of cannabis/cannabinoids for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.