bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two new empoascine leafhopper genera, Thaioasca and Mjolnirus, from Thailand (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae), with a checklist of Empoascini in Thailand
Authors: WANG YI-MEI , XU YE , DMITRIEV DMITRY A. , DIETRICH CHRISTOPHER H. , QIN DAO-ZHENG
Published: January 2021

Two new microleafhopper genera of Empoascini, Thaioasca Wang, Xu & Qin, gen. nov. and Mjolnirus Wang, Xu & Qin, gen. nov., based on the type species, Thaioasca contaminata Wang, Xu & Qin, sp. nov. and Mjolnirus mediolobus Wang, Xu & Qin, sp. nov. are described from Thailand. Male habitus photos and illustrations of male genitalia of these two new species are given. A checklist of Empoascini from Thailand is also provided.
The genus Lyroda Say, 1837 in Africa and Arabian Peninsula with description of two new species (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae)
Authors: SCHMID-EGGER CHRISTIAN , JAHDHAMI ALI AL-
Published: January 2021

The genus Lyroda Say, 1837 is reviewed in Africa and Arabia. Lyroda centralafricana Schmid-Egger & Al-Jahdhami, sp. nov. is described from Central African Republic and Zambia from both sexes; the holotype is a male. Lyroda salalah Schmid-Egger & Al-Jahdhami, sp. nov. is described from Oman in both sexes; the holotype is a female. The unknown male of L. aethiopica is described for the first time. A key to Lyroda species from Africa and the Arabian Peninsula is given.
A new species of the spider genus Phlogiellus (Araneae, Theraphosidae) from Hainan, China
Authors: LIN YEJIE , LI SHUQIANG , CHEN HAIFENG
Published: January 2021

The genus Phlogiellus Pocock, 1897 of the spider family Theraphosidae Thorell, 1869 includes 25 species from Southeast Asia, of which three have been recorded in China (Li 2020): P. bogadeki Nunn, West & von Wirth, 2016 and P. xinping (Zhu & Zhang, 2008) from Hong Kong and P. watasei (Kishida, 1920) from Taiwan. Here, we describe a new Phlogiellus species from Hainan, China: P. quanyui sp. nov.
The Design and Application of Exclusive OR Logical Computation Based on DNA 3-Arm Sub-Tile Self-Assembly
Authors: Huang Chun , Han Ying-Jie , Sun Jun-Wei , Zhu Wei-Jun , Wang Yan-Feng , Zhou Qing-Lei
Published: January 2021

DNA algorithmic self-assembly plays a vital role in DNA computing, which is applied to create new DNA tiles and then guides these tiles into an algorithmic lattice. However, the larger the logical calculation scale is, the more tile sets will be needed, so that computing model design
and experiment will be increasingly difficult. This paper presents a new DNA ‘3-arm sub-tile strategy’ that constructs XOR and half-adder logical circuits. The types of DNA tile corresponding to the logical values is unified in DNA XOR and half-adder logical circuits, which have
only three kinds of DNA tiles: logic ‘0’, logic ‘1’ and fixation tile. Compared with the previous references, the amount of DNA tile types has been greatly reduced. Moreover, the half-adder molecular circuit has a distinctive feature, which is an application of the
expansion of the XOR logic circuit. Meanwhile, a set of DNA 3-arm sub-tiles suitable for half-adder logical computation is designed on the NUPACK online server. The simulated experiments show that the correct rate of base pairing of the designed DNA encoding is high and the structures are
stable. The DNA 3-arm sub-tile self-assembly methods provide a new way to form DNA logical circuits, and has a great potential in the expansion of the integrated circuits.
Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Spectra of Non-Fluorescent 4-Mercaptobenzoic Acid and Human Red Blood Cells on Carnation-Shaped Silver Meso-Flowers Monolayer
Authors: Zhu Shuang-Mei , Dong Xi-Guang , Liang Er-Jun , Hou Hong-Wei , Hao Hao-Shan , Wu Yuan-Da
Published: January 2021

The development of new surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates is primarily motivated by designing synthetic substrates to obtain the significant signal enhancement. In this paper, a large-scale carnation-shaped Ag meso-flowers monolayer with sufficient “hot spots”
has been synthesized on copper foil without using any capping agent. In dimethyl sulfoxide, AgNO3 is reduced by Cu for 60 min at 35 °C through the galvanic displacement reaction, and carnation-shaped Ag meso-flowers with good crystallinity and high purity are obtained. The as-fabricated
carnation-shaped Ag meso-flowers monolayer is used as novel SERS substrates. Non-fluorescent 4-mercaptobenzoic acid is selected as the probe molecule to test the SERS activity, uniformity and enhancement factors (EF) of the monolayer. Experimental results show that the EF of the carnation-shaped
Ag meso-flowers monolayer is up to 7.06×108 and the limit of detection is 10-11 M. Meanwhile, the biocompatibility of the carnation-shaped silver meso-flowers monolayer is tested for red blood cells detection. SERS measurements demonstrate that the carnation-shaped
silver meso-flowers monolayer has good activity, uniformity and biocompatibility, and can be used as an outstanding SERS substrate, which has a broad application prospect in numerous chemical and biochemical sensing applications.
Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Based on Au-DNA-Ag Plasmonic Nanoparticles
Authors: Taghavi Moghaddam Seyed Enayatollah , Emami Farzin
Published: January 2021

The dependence of the Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) by gold and silver nanoparticles on their shape is examined using the organic dye, as a probe molecule. SERS has been explored extensively for applications in sensing and imaging, but the design and optimization of efficient
substrates are still challenging. In order to understand and optimize the SERS process in nanoparticles, gold and silver Nanospheres and their composition as gold-DNA-silver nanoparticle were synthesized and characterized according to their average size, zeta potential and UV/visible absorption.
In fact, in this research, an asymmetric new plasmonic nano-particle is proposed and designed as gold-DNA-silver and is compared to gold, silver, gold-DNA-gold, and silver-DNA-silver nanoparticles. With the help of this new nanoparticle, we design and recommend a Raman booster so that the
effect of Raman is improved noticeably. It will be shown that using the proposed asymmetric nano-particle of gold-DNA-silver, the absorbance, and intensity of Raman booster is improved noticeably. In suspensions of equal nano-particle and dye concentration, the SERS effect increases as gold-
DNA-silver, clearly indicating that control over the number of local field hotspots can optimize the SERS efficiency. Notably, it is demonstrated that the SERS intensity per nanoparticle scales with the magnitude of the SPR absorbance at the excitation wavelength (785 nm), providing a clear
guide to optimization of the process experimentally.
Core–Shell Structural Barium Ferrite/Polypyrrole Nanocomposites with Enhanced Microwave Absorption Properties
Authors: Sun Kai , Li Gang , Lei Yan-Hua , Wu Xin-Feng , Zhang Wei-Guo , Fan Guo-Hua , Cheng Chuan-Bing , Fan Run-Hua
Published: January 2021

In this paper, core–shell structural barium ferrite/polypyrrole (BF/PPy) nanocomposites were prepared by a facile in-situ chemical oxidative polymerization method, and their electromagnetic properties were systematically studied. It was demonstrated that the nanocomposites
with 15 mol% BF possessed the best electromagnetic wave absorption performance, and a reflection loss of -57.13 dB was achieved at 3.98 mm. Further study revealed that the optimized impedance matching and large attenuation constant were conducive to a good absorption performance. Meanwhile,
the combined action of dielectric loss and magnetic loss was responsible for the electromagnetic wave attenuation. This study provides a supplementary approach to microwave absorption materials with a desirable absorption performance.
The Effect of Annealing and Nickel Concentrations on the Structural Properties of the Nickel-Doped Cupric Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Alghameeti Wafa A. , Bahabri Fatmah S. , Mahmoud Alaa Y.
Published: January 2021

The effects of both annealing temperatures and nickel (Ni) concentrations of nickel doped cupric oxide (Ni– CuO) thin films were investigated in this work. Different doping concentrations of Ni (0, 20, 30, 50, 70, and 80%) were introduced to the CuO using the radio frequency magnetron
sputtering technique. The resulting 60 nm films were then annealed for one hour to 200 °C and 400 °C under ambient conditions. The X-ray diffraction images revealed that annealing of Ni–CuO films changed their nature from an amorphous structure to a polycrystalline structure
with a monoclinic phase. Increasing the Ni concentration increased the size of the crystallite while decreasing the dislocation density. Examining the surface morphology of films using field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy showed a presence of nanoparticles
grains covering the whole surfaces, with perimeters ranging between 135 nm and 215 nm. Increasing the annealing temperatures reduced surface roughness, while an increase of Ni concentration increased surface roughness.
Prediction of Giant Piezoelectric Properties in Puckered Two-Dimensional Monolayers: SiTe, GeTe, SnTe
Authors: Zhang Tao , Xu Jing , Li Ming-Lin
Published: January 2021

The discovery of intrinsic piezoelectricity in two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials (NDs) have increasingly attracted extensive interests for their potential applications in next generation piezoelectric devices. Among a wide range of 2D NDs, monolayer group IV monochalcogenides with
black phosphorus like structures have been revealed to have giant piezoelectricity. In this letter, the piezoelectricity of puckered group IV monochalcogenides monolayer NDs, i.e., GeTe, SnTe, and SiTe, is first calculated by using the density functional first-principles theory. The lattice
structures, band structures, and elastic properties of these puckered monolayer NDs (GeTe, SnTe, and SiTe) are evaluated based on the PBE functional. ?Berry-phase? polarization theory and density functional perturbation theory (DFPT) are respectively used for calculating the piezoelectric
coefficients. It is found that all these puckered monolayer NDs (GeTe, SnTe, and SiTe) exhibit highly strong piezoelectric properties. The calculated superior piezoelectricity makes these puckered monolayer NDs promising applications in the nanoscale flexible electronic and energy transfer
devices.
The Impact of Preparation Techniques on the Properties of Magnesium Aluminate Spinel
Authors: Albanumay Fahad , Alshamari Basheer , Alqahtani Naif , Alodan Haytham , Alopily Turky , Muhawes Mohammed
Published: January 2021

In this work, two different methods namely; dry mixing and ball milling followed by the cold isostatic press were employed to synthesize Magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl2O4). The phase diffraction and morphological characteristic of the sintered product were analyzed
using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The Archimedes principle for determining viscosity and porosity of MgAl2O4. The main aim of this study to compare preparation techniques on the properties of the final spinel product. The results show
that the ball milling method has an advantage over the dry mixing technique. In this technique, bigger crystals, well-compacted grains, higher density, and lesser reduction size and porosity were observed. an increase in the period of milling process was found to improve all these characteristics
of MgAl2O4 spinel.
Ferromagnetic Cu3N Nanoparticles Demonstrated by X-ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism (XMCD) and the Density Functional Theory (DFT) Calculations
Authors: Liao Zhongxin , Wang Tongtong , Liu Yonggang , Xia Baorui , Jiang Xingdong
Published: January 2021

In recent years, ferromagnetism induced by natural defects of nonmagnetic semiconductors has been widely investigated and expected to be applied in spintronics. On this basis, we report the ferromagnetic behavior of copper (I) nitride (Cu3N) nanoparticles. A robust room temperature
ferromagnetism is found in Cu3N nanoparticles with the saturated magnetization of 4 memu/g (300 K). Based on the element-specific X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) and the density functional theory (DFT) analysis, it is concluded that the ferromagnetism of Cu3N
nanoparticles originate from the surface Cu vacancies. Moreover, by increasing the surface area of Cu3N, the variation of magnetism is realized, and the surface states related to ferromagnetism is further revealed.
Fabrication of Flexible Carbon Nanotube Network on Paper Substrate: Effect of Post Treatment Temperature on Electrodes
Authors: Khachatryan Hayk , Kim Kyoung-Bo , Kim Moojin
Published: January 2021

The electrical, thermal, chemical, and mechanical characteristics of a flexible electrode consisting of carbon nanotubes on paper were investigated under various conditions. The main driving motivation was to develop a durable and flexible film for conductive electrode applications.
The general characteristics of the electrode based on carbon nanotubes were found to be sensitive to coating sequence and aging temperature and duration. The number of coatings can be used to tune network density and form a well entangled carbon nanotube layer on paper. Aging temperature was
found to be critical to electrical characteristics, and 60 °C was determined to be the optimal aging temperature. At higher temperatures, calcium oxide contained in the paper may form carbonates, which change the structure of the paper, and the carbon nanotubes can be oxidized, which led
to reduced electrical performance. The mechanical durability tests revealed that the electrode was functional up to a 3 mm bending radius.
Gold Nanoparticle-Delivered miR-26a Restricts Growth and Invasion of Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Yu Junhua , Fan Jianping , Zhao Yujun , Lu Hang , Qian Jun
Published: January 2021

This paper aims to estimate the effect of miR-26a delivered by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on gastric cancer (GC) cell growth and invasion. In vitro cultured GC cell strains SGC-7901 and MGC- 803 were processed for transfection of miR-26a-mimic, miR-NC, AuNP-ctrl, and AuNP-miR-26a
groups. MTT, Transwell, and flow cytometry were employed to evaluate the groups’ impact on cell vitality, invasion, and apoptosis. Western blotting (WB) was used to quantify the levels of apoptosisrelated proteins. In addition, solid tumors in mice were monitored for any changes that
occurred under treatment by each group. We observed that overexpressing miR-26a restricted the vitality and invasion, and promoted apoptosis of GC cells; this effect became more significant with the injection of AuNP-delivered miR-26a, which evidently suppressed the growth of tumors in
vivo. We conclude that, miR-26a serves as a tumor suppressor gene (TSG) in GC, and its effectiveness may be enhanced through delivery by AuNPs.
Application of Magnetic Nano-MR Molecular Imaging Technology in the Relationship Between Meniscus Injury and Knee Joint Movement
Authors: Liu Qitong , Wang Li , Jiang Hua , Chen Tong , Zhang Weiguo , Jiang Tao
Published: January 2021

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) can lead to joint malformations and dysfunction. The meniscus, as the fibrous cartilage of the medial and lateral articular surfaces of the tibia, functions in load transfer, shock absorption, and knee joint stabilization. Injury of the meniscus reduces its
protective effect on the knee joint and increases the risk of KOA. Early detection of meniscus injury and accurate assessment of its severity could help to clinically formulate corresponding treatment plans, delay disease progression, and reduce the risk of KOA. Magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) can clearly characterize the tissue structure of the meniscus in all directions, which is convenient for observing the damage to it. However, the sensitivity of traditional MRI to cartilage tissue is still limited. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION), as a nano-biomaterial
with superparamagnetic properties, can enhance MR signal intensity and imaging sensitivity. The use of SPION as a contrast agent for MRI diagnosis of meniscus injury may help to improve the diagnostic accuracy. In this study, the results of arthroscopy were used as a gold standard to compare
the diagnostic value of traditional MRI and MRI+SPION in meniscus injury. We found that SPION could significantly improve the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of MRI in diagnosing meniscus injury. According to the classification of the severity of meniscus injury by MRI+SPION, six degrees
of freedom of knee joints were compared in each group, and major differences were found in each degree of freedom of knee joints in the patients with different severity grades. The more severe the injury, the smaller the range of degrees of freedom of the knee. The above results show that
the knee joint activity of patients with meniscus injury can be evaluated according to magnetic nano-magnetic resonance molecular imaging technology, and the corresponding clinical treatment plan can be made according to the diagnosis and evaluation results.
Research on the Competitive Consequences of Common Ownership: A Methodological Critique
Authors: Azar José , Schmalz Martin C. , Tecu Isabel
Published: January 2021

This article argues that the evidence presented in several critiques of Azar, Schmalz, and Tecu’s (AST) “airlines” paper does often not back the conclusion these studies draw. Specifically, widely circulated studies claiming that there are no anticompetitive effects of common ownership or that there is no evidence of it either do not attempt to refute AST’s findings of anticompetitive effects in the U.S. airlines industry or in fact confirm the evidence by AST and even dispel valid concerns about AST’s methodology. Focusing on Kennedy, O’Brien, Song, and Waehrer (KOSW), we note that their panel regressions using market-share-free indices of common ownership concentration confirm the positive correlation between common ownership concentration and price, which AST showed with a measure containing potentially endogenous market shares. We then examine the alternative empirical methods KOSW propose: (i) Their conclusion that estimates from a structural model show no evidence of anticompetitive effects is based on an estimation that discards 90% of the available data and therefore, at best, is only valid for that subsample; (ii) their structural model makes no economic sense because it produces a negative effect of route distance on marginal cost; and (iii) they construct an alternative version of the widely used BlackRock- Barclays Global Investors instrument that is arguably invalid. Even absent these methodological concerns, KOSW’s structural estimates are so noisy that they do not in fact reject the hypothesis that common ownership concentration has a positive effect on prices. A more recent structural paper by Park and Seo has shown these concerns to be well-founded: using a different and larger subsample of AST’s data and more standard estimation methods compared to KOSW, they estimate a positive effect of common ownership on prices, as well as a positive effect of route distance on cost. A lesson for future research—and readers of the literature—is to critically evaluate the conclusions drawn by studies in this field, including those that advertise themselves as providing evidence against the existence of anticompetitive effects of common ownership.
Multiple Group Analysis in Multilevel Data Across Within-Level Groups: A Comparison of Multilevel Factor Mixture Modeling and Multilevel Multiple-Indicators Multiple-Causes Modeling
Authors: Son Sookyoung , Hong Sehee
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this two-part study is to evaluate methods for multiple group analysis when the comparison group is at the within level with multilevel data, using a multilevel factor mixture model (ML FMM) and a multilevel multiple-indicators multiple-causes (ML MIMIC) model. The performance of these methods was evaluated integrally by a series of procedures testing weak and strong invariance models and the latent group mean differences testing after holding for factorial invariance. Two Monte Carlo simulation studies were conducted under the following conditions: number of clusters, cluster size, and the design type in groups. A multilevel one-factor confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model as a research model in Study 1 was investigated to compare the results under different conditions with those of previous studies. A multilevel two-factor CFA model as a research model in Study 2 was evaluated by fitting alternative models that can be applied when the model is complicated. The results indicated that the two methods were reasonable in multilevel multiple groups analysis across within-level groups. However, pros and cons were found between the two methods. In the multilevel one-factor CFA model, ML MIMIC model was slightly better when the sample size is small. In the multilevel complex model, two alternative models of ML FMM were recommended because the weak invariance testing of ML MIMIC was considerably time-consuming. Finally, it was shown that information criteria, which are criteria for determining whether factorial invariance is established, need to be applied differently according to the sample size conditions. Guidelines for this situation are provided.
Microstructured poly(ether-ether-ketone)-hydroxyapatite composites for bone replacements
Authors: Venkatraman Priya , Bohmann Nick , Gadalla Dina , Rader Chris , Foster E. Johan
Published: January 2021

Utilizing a novel processing method of PEEK foam that produces hierarchical mesoporosity, we explore the use of hydroxyapatite (HA)/PEEK composites for mimicking the structure of human bone. The effect of HA content and processing parameters on the porosity, and interconnective network are studied with respect to the corresponding morphology, mechanical properties, and ultimately the cell viability. Having achieved hierarchical structuration with pore sizes ranging from approx. a hundred nanometers all the way to a few hundred microns, the HA/PEEK composites produced desirable mechanical properties and promising cell proliferation. A strong correlation was not seen with HA loading and the resulting properties, but a combination of the HA loading and variance in porosity is shown to be significant. The development and analysis of this bone mimic structure opens up the potential for this processing method and material as a treatment to bone injuries and bone diseases.
Pluralisms? Social philosophy, social science and public policy in employment relations and human resource management
Authors: Ackers Peter
Published: January 2021

Alan Fox's frames of reference has sparked over half a century of debate between employment relations/human resource management pluralists, radicals and unitarists. But the notion of industrial relations pluralism itself continues to be highly disputed. This commentary tracks the journey from classical pluralism to neo-pluralism, then addresses three articles that offer a variety of radical pluralist alternatives. A fourth paper discussed, suggests a quantitative approach to testing Fox's frames, but this article makes a case for retaining the qualitative, case study method. A fifth explores the revival of paternalism on the border between unitarism and pluralism. Overall, the article argues that classical pluralism, based on trade unions and collective bargaining, is now outdated, but that neo-pluralism is capable of carrying forward its pragmatic, institutional spirit to explore the empirical complexity of contemporary employment relationships around the world. Finally, the discussion of employment relations pluralisms needs to re-engage with the wider political pluralism debate about liberal democratic societies and market economies.
How well do Regulation 28 reports serve future public health and safety?
Authors: Fox Anthony W , Jacobson Jessica
Published: January 2021

Her Majesty’s (H.M.) coroners issue Regulation 28 (Reg. 28) reports following inquests. These reports concern hazards which, if mitigated, might prevent future deaths, and have addressees who are best placed to take remedial actions. Since 2013, the reports and addressees’ responses are copied to, and electronically published by, the Chief Coroner in non-exclusive demographic, aetiological or venue categories. Three of those categories were chosen so as to minimise the replication of unique cases – child deaths; alcohol, drugs and medications (ADM); and railways – with the most recent 50 reports in each category. A further ad hoc sample of neonates was taken after a finding in the first of these. The principal findings are: (a) H.M. coroners generate Reg. 28 reports at different rates (including 27 coroner areas with none at all; random variation probability p ≈ 10–6); (b) there is a large deficit of addressees’ responses compared with Reg. 28 reports that are issued; (c) addressees from large organisations are more likely to respond than small ones; (d) substantive remedial actions appear in only a further subset of addressees’ responses; and (e) there is a sex imbalance in Reg. 28 reports which is least explicable for neonates. It is concluded that the Reg. 28 report system is haphazard in many ways. As the only official publication from H.M. coroners’ courts, Reg. 28 reports have a large scope for improvement, which might promote support from bereaved families and the wider public for the process of inquest. Suggestions for process improvement are made.
Lost from the conversation: Missing people, and the role of Police media in shaping community awareness
Authors: Siddiqui Aalia , Wayland Sarah
Published: January 2021

Media as a public health messaging tool can shape community perception. In missing persons’ investigations Police utilise media to assist in location and recovery of absent people. This study, of Australian media in 2019, revealed that the statistical evidence of who goes missing, and returns, revealed that is not replicated in news articles. Content analysis of 2,400 media items highlighting a disconnect between statistical rate of return from being missing (up to 98%) and the media profiling those who return (17% of media articles including returned missing persons narratives). In addition, Police and family dominate media conversations paying minimal attention to the reasons why people vanish or including comment from those who return. Recommendations for Police media strategies, that include an accurate portrayal of the experiences of returned missing persons, as a public health tool, is required.
Preparation of fluorine-free anti-acid and breathable composite fabric based on modified SBS/pitch electrospun nanofibers
Authors: Zhang Qingle , Shao Yiqing , Wang Chengmeizi , Wang Lu , Zhou Huimin , Xia Xin
Published: January 2021

To develop a fluorine-free material of acidproof and breathable fabric, styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) blended with pitch was directly deposited on polyester/cotton blended fabric through electrospinning to fabricate a nanofibrous membrane composite fabric. Acrylic acid (AA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were used to graft SBS to improve compatibility between SBS and pitch, and the modified temperatures were set at 40°C, 60°C and 80°C. The effects of different grafting monomers and temperatures on the properties of SBS/pitch membrane composite fabrics were explored by Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis; morphological structures, acid-resistant properties and breathability (vapor permeability and air permeability) were also examined. The results showed that modified SBS/pitch membrane composite fabrics possessed good acid resistance and modest breathability. SBS-g-MMA/pitch (means SBS grafted by MMA) exhibited the highest acid resistance due to more evenly distributed beads than original SBS/pitch membrane composite fabrics and higher roughness than SBS-g-AA/pitch (means SBS grafted by AA) membrane composite fabrics. By systematically changing the grafting temperature, SBS-g-MMA/pitch membrane composite fabrics for which SBS was grafted by MMA at 80°C presented appropriate air permeability (120.5 mm/s), modest water vapor transport rate (13,656.45 g/(m2·d)), good tensile strength (1203 N) and bursting strength (616 N), and the best acid resistance (143°); meanwhile the acid penetration level reached level 3, which was attributed to the low surface energy caused by the fused ring from the pitch and the rough surface caused by the micro-beads in the nanofibers. The obtained modified SBS/pitch membrane composite fabric could be potentially applied in acidproof fabrics.
What Makes Government Work Great: The Characteristics of Positive Public Service
Authors: Jones B.J.
Published: January 2021

Optimal work experiences in the public sector do not receive the attention they deserve. And, though positive psychology research has shown that flourishing in the workplace is connected to healthier and more fulfilled employees as well as improved organizational performance, the public sector has largely taken a backseat as a subject of study in this field. This article addresses this shortcoming by conducting in-depth interviews of current and former public servants to identify the most prevalent features of their best work experiences and their connection to the components of prominent well-being theories. Five characteristics of positive public service emerged: challenge, efficacy, camaraderie, empowerment, and service. Several well-being components were connected to these characteristics as were other features such as hardship, novelty, leadership, and helping others. These findings provide a stronger theoretical basis to suggest that more can be—and should be—expected of government work.
Effects of the Onset of Differential Reinforcer Quality on Skill Acquisition
Authors: Cariveau Tom , La Cruz Montilla Astrid
Published: January 2021

Differential reinforcement of a target response is a necessary component of stimulus control transfer procedures. Recent research has further considered the timing (i.e., onset) of differential reinforcement of unprompted correct responding. To date, the onset of differential reinforcement has been inconsistently controlled in studies comparing skill acquisition programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. The current study serves as a systematic replication of prior comparative research to examine the effects of immediate and delayed differential reinforcement onset on the efficiency of acquisition for three individuals with developmental disabilities. The delayed onset of differential reinforcement required the fewest number of exposures to mastery per target across all comparisons. These findings failed to replicate those of prior research on differential reinforcement onset, possibly due to differences in participant characteristics, target tasks, or other required procedural modifications. Considerations for future research on differential reinforcement procedures in skill acquisition programs are described.
Review of Recent Research about Parenting Generation Z Pre-Teen Children
Authors: Oerther Sarah , Oerther Daniel B.
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this scoping review is to provide a timely update of available research describing parents’ perspectives of parenting pre-teen children of Generation Z (born 1997 through 2012). The databases of Ovid MEDLINE, CIHAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, JUSTOR, and PsyINFO were searched using a combination of key words for manuscripts published in English. A limited collection of scientific literature documented experiences of parents, practices of parenting, styles of parenting, and interventions that influence parenting of Generation Z pre-teen children among various groups of parents. Although an emerging body of literature on parenting pre-teen children of Generation Z was identified, future research should consider systematic sample selection to further explore the roles of cultural and psychosocial factors that influence parents’ perspectives of parenting “digital natives” in homes around the world.
Conceptualising ‘success’ among Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentenced offenders with personality-related difficulties
Authors: King Nicole , Crisp Bryony
Published: January 2021

This paper explores conceptualisations of ‘ success’ by men on Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentence licence screened into the Offender Personality Disorder Pathway. ‘ Success’ was defined as a process of having ‘ survived’ the perceived injustices associated with the IPP sentence. Participants’ discussed ‘ internal factors’ enabling them to make use of ‘ external facilitators’ of self-change; ‘ success’ was embedded in the development of interpersonal relationships with professionals. We propose a model of reciprocal anxiety existing within the criminal justice system in relation to the management of individuals on IPP sentence.
Enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery and its impact on outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Zhang Yi , Chong Jun Heng , Harky Amer
Published: January 2021

Background and Aim:

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols are a series of perioperative interventions well-established in improving the care and outcomes of patients. With recent emergence of studies on its implementation in cardiac surgery, this paper represents the first systematic review on current evidence of ERAS efficacy in this field.

Methods:

Two reviewers independently searched through Pubmed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Embase and Scopus. Comparative studies with controls that described the implementation of ERAS in all types of cardiac operations from 2001 to 2020 were included. Data extracted included patient demographics, components of ERAS protocol described, types of cardiac surgery, and postoperative outcomes.

Results:

In the final analysis, nine studies were included, of which there were one randomized controlled trial (RCT), one quasi-experiment and seven retrospective/prospective studies. Significant improvement in hospital and ICU length of stay, as well as reduction in postoperative opioid consumption were demonstrated. No increase in postoperative complications were reported.

Conclusion:

ERAS in cardiac surgery has shown to be potentially safe and effective in improving certain postoperative outcomes. However, the evidence is limited by the lack of high-quality RCTs. We also found the lack of practice of class 1 recommended interventions set forth by the ERAS Cardiac Society. Furthermore, majority of studies only evaluated the immediate postoperative outcomes of patients, and not the long-term outcomes. RCTs that fully implement measures recommended by the ERAS Cardiac Society, with assessments on both immediate and long-term outcomes, are warranted.
From “decentralization of governance” to “governance of decentralization”: Reassessing income inequality in periurban China
Authors: Wong Siu Wai , Tang Bo-sin , Liu Jinlong , Liang Ming , Ho Winky K.O.
Published: January 2021

Grassroots village organizations are crucial for understanding the interplay between the decentralization of state power and growing income inequality in periurban China. Based on a study of 380 shareholding cooperatives and 43 administrative villages in Guangdong, we examine how state policy has interacted with village institutions to determine the management and distribution of collective income among villagers. Our findings suggest that the decentralization of power over collective asset management and distribution to these grassroots organizations did not cause a retreat in the state’s capacity for strategic intervention and local regulatory controls. Rather, the state made continued attempts to regain power over village governance through institutional formalization. Such interventions enhanced the access of villagers to state welfare. However, they worsened income disparities among villagers by undermining the village redistributive mechanism based on informal rules.
Intra-articular Injections of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Without Adjuvant Therapies for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Tan Si Heng Sharon , Kwan Yiu Tsun , Neo Wei Jian , Chong Jia Yan , Kuek Tze Yin Joshua , See Jun Ze Fabian , Wong Keng Lin , Toh Wei Seong , Hui James Hoi Po
Published: January 2021

Background:

While many reviews have been performed to attempt to provide conclusive evidence regarding the outcomes of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in osteoarthritis treatment, the evidence for MSC treatment in osteoarthritis remains contentious, as these reviews have been limited by the heterogeneous evidence available.

Purpose:

To pool the results of treatment using intra-articular injections of MSCs without any adjuvant therapies for osteoarthritis.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. All clinical trials of level 1 or 2 evidence that reported clinical outcomes of patients with osteoarthritis of the knees treated using intra-articular injections of MSCs without any adjuvant therapies were included.

Results:

A total of 19 studies with 440 knees were included. All studies reported an improvement in the outcomes after intervention. The standardized mean differences (SMDs) for the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain at rest and upon exertion were –1.48 (95% CI, –1.85 to –1.11) and –2.25 (95% CI, –2.64 to –1.85), respectively. The SMDs for the total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and total Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score were –1.19 (95% CI, –1.53 to –0.84) and 0.88 (95% CI, 0.66-1.10), respectively. Only the source of MSCs and whether the MSCs were cultured or uncultured were clinically important and statistically significant moderators of the treatment outcome. The use of bone marrow MSCs reduced the VAS for pain by 1.50 (95% CI, 0.04-2.96; P = .04) and reduced the total WOMAC by 23.2 (95% CI, 10.0-36.4; P < .01) as compared with adipose MSCs. The use of cultured MSCs reduced the VAS for pain by 2.19 (95% CI, 0.57-3.81; P < .01) and reduced the total WOMAC by 14.4 (95% CI, 1.21-27.5; P = .03) as compared with uncultured MSCs.

Conclusion:

Intra-articular injections of MSCs without any adjuvant therapies improves pain and function for osteoarthritis. Significantly better outcomes were obtained with the use of bone marrow MSCs as compared with adipose MSCs and with the use of cultured MSCs as opposed to uncultured MSCs.
The Kelsen-Bauer debate on Marxist state theory and the equilibrium of class forces
Authors: Scott Alan
Published: January 2021

This serves as an introduction to a debate between Hans Kelsen and Otto Bauer concerning the nature and relative autonomy of the state, and the theories that informed the political practices of the Austro-Marxists and of the SDAP (Austrian Social Democratic Workers’ Party) immediately after the fall of the monarchy and during the early years of the First Republic. Both pieces (translated below) were published in Der Kampf ( The Campaign), the SDAP’s theoretical journal, in which many key texts of Austro-Marxist thought appeared. The debate is of theoretical interest, particularly with respect to Marxist state theory, but is potentially also of renewed relevance to an age of post-GFC (Global Financial Crisis) austerity. Bauer’s distinction between functional oligarchy and functional democracy is identified as one such potential contribution to current debate and analysis.
Workplace harassment: The leadership factor
Authors: Adams Lisa , Bryan Venise
Published: January 2021

Healthcare professionals are in the business of providing care and compassion. It is ironic that healthcare has the highest rate of workplace harassment. Although harassment comes from people of various positions, its existence in healthcare fractures the intention and values that guide its mission. When mental health is compromised, mistakes happen. Healthcare professionals take the health/life of others into their care; distractions and fear from being bullied compromise that care. Health leaders are in a strategic position to address workplace harassment and bullying. Failing to do so results in complacency, jeopardizes our patients, tarnishes the organization, and damages society as a whole. It is a cost that all will pay dearly to remedy, unless it is addressed, enforced with standards, and taken to task for the better health of all.
Characterization of collagen type I/tannic acid beads as a cell scaffold
Authors: Baldwin Andrew , Uy Lisa , Booth Brian W
Published: January 2021

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. Surgical removal of tumors is often necessary and many patients suffer complications due to subsequent breast reconstruction. A safe and effective breast reconstructive material is needed for patients recovering from surgical removal of small breast cancer tumors. Our lab has developed injectable collagen/tannic acid beads seeded with patient-derived preadipocytes for regeneration of healthy breast tissue in patients post-lumpectomy. Previous research indicates that the inclusion of tannic acid in the matrix imparts an anticancer property. This research seeks to determine the variables needed to control collagen/tannic acid bead diameter and seeded cell attachment, which are essential to proper bead implantation and function. We found that as tannic acid concentration increases within the beads, cell attachment decreases. Bead diameter is controlled by bead generator voltage, solution osmolality, the degree of cell attachment, and tannic acid concentrations. Higher voltages resulted in significant decrease in bead diameter. Collagen/tannic acid beads decreased in diameter when placed in solutions of increasing osmolality. Higher degrees of cell attachment across the surface of the beads were associated with a significant decrease in diameter. In beads made with high concentrations of tannic acid, bead diameter was found to decrease. Collagen/TA beads are a promising subdermal tissue regenerative matrix with anticancer activity as an alternative to simple lipofilling in breast reconstructive procedures. This study was conducted to better understand the properties of collagen/TA beads in order to improve injection efficacy and tissue regenerative activity.
Static behavior analysis of disc spring considering variable static friction coefficient
Authors: Li Xiaopeng , Chen Renzhen , Yang Zemin , Yang Hexu , Xu Jinchi
Published: January 2021

The object of this fundamental research will be to reveal the effects of variable coefficient of static friction on the static behavior of disc spring. On account of the complex relationship between friction and normal pressure, based on contact mechanics and fractal theory, a model for predicting variable coefficient of static friction of 3 D fractal surface is induced. Then the method proposed by Curti is improved by using the fractal coefficient of static friction to replace the Coulomb's law. The entire deflection range is considered under quasi-static loading condition. The model of disc spring is developed to predict the load-deflection and hysteresis characteristics while contacting with different fractal surfaces. The primary object of this study is to survey the variable static friction coefficient and its effect on the disc spring. Different fractal dimension, constant static friction coefficient and free height of disc spring are considered, and the relative error of the two methods are calculated. The investigation has revealed that the effect of fractal static friction coefficient on the load-deflection and hysteresis characteristics of disc spring is concentrated in the small deflection stage. And the method is universal for disc springs of different dimension on the same surface.
Numerical study of graphene-platinum hybrid nanofluid in microchannel for electronics cooling
Authors: Avinash Kumar R , Kavitha M , Manoj Kumar P , Arvindh Seshadri S
Published: January 2021

The objective of this paper is to numerically study the heat transfer and hydrodynamic performance of a graphene-based hybrid nanofluid flowing through a microchannel for electronics cooling applications. Different concentrations of Graphene-Platinum/water hybrid nanofluid were employed as coolants. The thermophysical properties used in this study were considered to be temperature-dependent. The microchannel was modeled as a porous media. The effect of nanoparticle volume concentration on thermal resistance, pressure drop, friction factor and ratio of heat transfer coefficient to pressure drop (Figure of merit) was analyzed and the plots were generated for different Reynolds numbers of the working fluid. The results pointed out that introduction of nanoparticles resulted in the lowering of thermal resistance. However, the pressure drop and friction factor increased. Figure of merit is found to be higher for higher concentrations of hybrid nanofluids compared to base fluid water. On analyzing the results, it was understood that the utilization of Graphene-Platinum/water hybrid nanofluid through microchannels can be highly effective in the laminar region. It also suggests that this graphene based nanofluid has excellent potential as a coolant to remove excess heat from miniature electronic devices.
Newtonian Predictions Are Integrated With Sensory Information in 3D Motion Perception
Authors: Deeb Abdul-Rahim , Cesanek Evan , Domini Fulvio
Published: January 2021

Because the motions of everyday objects obey Newtonian mechanics, perhaps these laws or approximations thereof are internalized by the brain to facilitate motion perception. Shepard’s seminal investigations of this hypothesis demonstrated that the visual system fills in missing information in a manner consistent with kinematic constraints. Here, we show that perception relies on internalized regularities not only when filling in missing information but also when available motion information is inconsistent with the expected outcome of a physical event. When healthy adult participants ( Ns = 11, 11, 12, respectively, in Experiments 1, 2, and 3) viewed 3D billiard-ball collisions demonstrating varying degrees of consistency with Newtonian mechanics, their perceptual judgments of postcollision trajectories were biased toward the Newtonian outcome. These results were consistent with a maximum-likelihood model of sensory integration in which perceived target motion following a collision is a reliability-weighted average of a sensory estimate and an internal prediction consistent with Newtonian mechanics.
A late-Holocene multiproxy fire record from a tropical savanna, eastern Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia
Authors: Rehn Emma , Rowe Cassandra , Ulm Sean , Woodward Craig , Bird Michael
Published: January 2021

Fire has a long history in Australia and is a key driver of vegetation dynamics in the tropical savanna ecosystems that cover one quarter of the country. Fire reconstructions are required to understand ecosystem dynamics over the long term but these data are lacking for the extensive savannas of northern Australia. This paper presents a multiproxy palaeofire record for Marura sinkhole in eastern Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia. The record is constructed by combining optical methods (counts and morphology of macroscopic and microscopic charcoal particles) and chemical methods (quantification of abundance and stable isotope composition of pyrogenic carbon by hydrogen pyrolysis). This novel combination of measurements enables the generation of a record of relative fire intensity to investigate the interplay between natural and anthropogenic influences. The Marura palaeofire record comprises three main phases: 4600–2800 cal BP, 2800–900 cal BP and 900 cal BP to present. Highest fire incidence occurs at ~4600–4000 cal BP, coinciding with regional records of high effective precipitation, and all fire proxies decline from that time to the present. 2800–900 cal BP is characterised by variable fire intensities and aligns with archaeological evidence of occupation at nearby Blue Mud Bay. All fire proxies decline significantly after 900 cal BP. The combination of charcoal and pyrogenic carbon measures is a promising proxy for relative fire intensity in sedimentary records and a useful tool for investigating potential anthropogenic fire regimes.