bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To Cooperate or Not? Why Working Together is Essential in the Arctic
Authors: Ly Johan Marius , Bergstrøm Rune , Bjerkemo Ole Kristian , Lunde Synnøve
Published: December 2017

The Norwegian Arctic covers Svalbard, Bear Island, Jan Mayen and the Barents Sea. 80% of all shipping activities in the Arctic are within Norwegian territorial waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone. To reduce the risk for accidents, the Norwegian authorities have established several preventive measures. Among these are ship reporting systems, traffic separation schemes in international waters and surveillance capabilities. If an accident has occurred and an oil spill response operation must be organized - resources, equipment, vessels and manpower from Norwegian and neighboring states will be mobilized.

In 2015, the Norwegian Coastal Administration finalized an environmental risk-based emergency response analysis for shipping incidents in the Svalbard, Bear Island and Jan Mayen area. This scenario-based analysis has resulted in a number of recommendations that are currently being implemented to be better prepared for oil spill response operations in the Norwegian Arctic. Further, a large national oil spill response exercise in 2016 was based on one of these scenarios involving at sea and onshore oil spill response at Svalbard.

The 2016 exercise, working within the framework of the Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response in the Arctic between Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the USA (Arctic Council 2013), focused on a shipping incident in the Norwegian waters in the Barents Sea, close to the Russian border. Every year, as part of the Russian – Norwegian Oil Spill Response Agreement and the SAR Agreement in the Barents Sea, combined SAR and oil spill response exercises are organized. These are held every second year in Russia and every second year in Norway.

There is an expected increased traffic and possible increased risk for accidents in the Arctic waters. In order to build and maintain an emergency response system to this, cooperation between states, communities, private companies and other stakeholders is essential. It is important that all actors that operate and have a role in the Arctic are prepared and able to help ensure the best possible emergency response plans. We depend on one another, this paper highlights some of the ongoing activities designed to strengthen the overall response capabilities in the Arctic.
Effects of tip streaming on the prediction of droplet size distribution in the presence of dispersants during subsea blowouts
Authors: Zhao Lin , Gao Feng , Boufadel Michel C. , King Thomas , Robinson Brian , Lee Kenneth
Published: December 2017

Abstract (2017-193)

With the presence of surfactants in the fluid mixture, tip streaming phenomenon often occurs where daughter droplets of micron or sub-micron size are ejected from thin threads of the droplet poles. Recent experimental and modeling studies of tip streaming phenomenon have been focusing on the formation of individual droplets. However, effects of tip streaming on the prediction of droplet formation during subsurface oil blowouts have not been thoroughly investigated. Due to the high intensity flow in the blowout, the amount of micron or sub-micron size droplets resulting from tip streaming could be substantial and cannot be ignored. In this study, a new empirical-numerical scheme is developed in the thoroughly-validated droplet formation model, VDROP-J, to account for the tip streaming phenomenon when dispersants are presence. Calibration of the new scheme and model validations are performed in association with the underwater oil jet experiments. The new model development improves the capability of VDROP-J model in application to the cases when dispersants are used, which would provide valuable information of droplet formation during subsea blowouts for decision makers and research groups.
State-of-the-Art Oil Spill Trajectory Prediction in Ice Infested Waters: A Journey from High Resolution Arctic-Wide Satellite Data to Advanced Oil Spill Trajectory Modeling-What You Need to Know
Authors: Beegle-Krause CJ , Nordam Tor , Reed Mark , Daae Ragnhild Lundmark
Published: December 2017

In ice covered waters, successful oil spill response requires predictions of where the oil and ice will travel. The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP), Arctic Oil Spill Response Technology - Joint Industry Programme (JIP) funded research to improve oil spill response by leveraging new state-of-the-art ice forecasting into oil spill trajectory models. We present an overview of the systems and discuss how these advancements will provide responders with new information for spill preparedness and planning. The Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Center (NERSC) has developed two coupled ice-ocean models that cover the entire Arctic: TOPAZ4 and neXtSIM. TOPAZ4 uses both in situ ocean data and satellite data; the model also includes an ecosystem model. The neXtSIM model is a new high resolution (3km) coupled ice-ocean which uses daily sea ice thickness and concentration fields from satellites.

SINTEF’s Oil Spill Contingency and Response (OSCAR) model can now use output from both TOPAZ and neXtSIM. The OSCAR user can view the ice conditions with the spill, and the oil trajectory is modified by the time dependent ice coverages. Case studies will be discussed that test the implementation for different areas of the Arctic. Through these case studies, we provide new types of information for spill responders. The OSCAR model also includes information on oil weathering in ice from extensive laboratory and flume data for oils in water with and without ice.Case Study 1: In the Beaufort Sea we compare observed ice drifter position time series with the ice drift calculated by the OSCAR model using input from the NERSC models. We then simulate a potential oil spill in the area.Case Study 2: The 2009 Joint Industry Project included fieldwork and modeling for oil released in marginal ice zone in the Barents Sea. In May 2009, 7000 liters of fresh Troll oil was released into the marginal ice zone to study the oil weathering, spreading and overall oil trajectory.
Evaluation of Oil Spill Modeling in Ice Against In Situ Drifter Data from the Beaufort Sea
Authors: French-McCay Deborah , Bakhsh Tayebeh Tajalli , Spaulding Malcolm L.
Published: December 2017

While coupled ice-ocean models provide reliable hindcasts and large-scale predictions of ice conditions and movements in the Arctic, to date, operational models have not been implemented with sufficient spatial resolution or skill to define sea ice characteristics and dynamics needed for high resolution oil spill trajectory forecast modeling. Recently (2015) Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Centre (NERSC) researchers updated their modeling approach and rheology used for pack ice. They found that using the newly developed Elasto-Brittle (EB) model showed significant improvement in performance over the present Elastic-Viscous-Plastic (EVP) modeling approach used in the operational forecast and reanalysis versions of their TOPAZ4 coupled ice-ocean model. NERSC also integrated a wave-in-ice model (WIM) into a newly updated version of TOPAZ, to characterize waves in the Marginal Ice Zone (MIZ). RPS ASA’s oil transport and fate models OILMAP and SIMAP (OIL/Spill Impact Model Application Package) were updated, integrating the NERSC ice modeling products for use in transport and oil weathering algorithms. Oil trajectory model simulations, using the existing publically-available TOPAZ4 and updated ice model products, were compared with available in situ drifter data for the Beaufort Sea from the International Arctic Buoy Programme (IABP). The goal was to evaluate model performance (skill) against drifters that were trapped in the pack ice where the EB/EVP rheology applies. The comparisons show that model-based trajectories increasingly diverged from observations over days and weeks due to cumulative errors. The model using EB rheology more closely agreed with the IABP observations than TOPAZ with EVP, and the updated TOPAZ showed improved model performance over TOPAZ4. However, model skill was degraded by time-averaging of ocean and ice model vectors before input to the oil spill model. Demonstrated improvement of oil-in-ice spill modeling would help meet the needs for Arctic oil spill response in the coming decades. While the accuracy of individual oil model trajectories projected weeks to months into the future would be expected to be low, in the event of a spill, forecasts could be updated frequently (on a time scale of hours to days) with satellite information, aircraft observations, drifter data, and other observations to improve reliability. The overall transport patterns and results of an ensemble of trajectories would provide useful information for planning and risk assessments based on typical current and ice movement patterns.
Development of biological process for Kuwait crude oil contaminated soil
Authors: Kang Guyoung , Kim Taein , Hong Jinkyung , Jho Eun Hea , Park Kapsung , Park Minkoo , Al-Shammari Mohsen J. , Al-Khareji Mansour A. , Choi Minjoo , Ha Taesang
Published: December 2017

Seven hundred ninety-eight oil wells were set fire, damaged, and gushed oil and resulted on a crude oil contaminated area over 300 km2 include dry oil lakes at the end of Iraqi war. The United Nation Compensation Commission (UNCC) recommended remediation of crude oil contaminated soil as physical chemical and thermal processes due to the oil sludge and high concentration of TPH. In this study, indigenous oil-emulsifying bacteria in Kuwait crude oil contaminated soil was cultured via enrichment culture method. Bacterial composition of enrichment culture investigated by phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences obtained through high-throughput sequencing. The majority of enriched bacteria belonged to the order of Flavobacteriales (56.38%), Burkholderiales (16.13%), and Pseudomonadales (12.22%). Using those indigenous microorganisms, biological process consists of bio-washing, biocatalytic, and biopile was operated for 20 days in lab-scale. Initial TPH concentrations measured by hexane extraction method (HEM) and GC-FID method were 46,096 mg/kg and 34,153 mg/kg, respectively. Removal rates of TPH after 20days operation were 68% (HEM) and 86% (GC-FID). Therefore, Kuwait crude oil contaminated soil can be remediated by combine biological process such as bio-washing and biopile process.
Experimental and numerical investigation of the formation of Oil Particle Aggregates (OPA)
Authors: Zhao Lin , Boufadel Michel C. , King Thomas , Robinson Brian , Lee Kenneth
Published: December 2017

Abstract (2017-187)

Oil-particle interactions can result in oil particle aggregates (OPA), which move differently from oil droplets or particles alone. This may alter drastically the fate of oil. Laboratory studies were conducted using the EPA baffled flask and the resultant OPAs were analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. 3D images of the OPA structure provided the evidence of a new theory of the oil-particle coagulation mechanism in turbulent flows. The experimental data was then used to validate the newly developed OPA model, A-DROP, that requires the input of particle and oil properties and the mixing intensity. A new parameter to account for the shape of the particles and the packing on the oil droplets, and a new conceptual formulation of oil-particle coagulation efficiency are introduced in the model to account for the overall behavior of the coated area on the droplet surface. The model was used to simulate the OPA formation in a typical nearshore environment. Modeling results indicate that the increase of particle concentration in the swash zone would speed up the oil–particle interaction process; but the oil amount trapped in OPAs did not correspond to the increase of particle concentration. The developed A-DROP model could become an important tool in understanding the natural removal of oil and developing oil spill countermeasures by means of oil–particle aggregation.
COMPARING SWEDISH OIL SPILL PREPAREDNESS TO REGIONAL COUNTRIES USING THE RETOS™ EVALUATION TOOL
Authors: Pålsson Jonas , Hildebrand Lawrence , Lindén Olof
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT 2017-253

Few standardised frameworks are designed to assess the full range of oil spill preparedness activities, from plan development, implementation, equipment, training, exercises, and response sustainability.

This paper analyses the international practice of oil spill preparedness measures and compares them to Swedish practice. Friedman’s test and Dunn’s post-test have been used to compare the RETOS™ evaluation scores of Finland, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Denmark, and Norway to Sweden. The United States is examined as an external reference. The RETOS™ programme is an Excel tool developed for the International Oil Spill Conference 2008. It is a guide for industry and governments to assess their level of oil spill response, planning, and preparedness management in relation to established criteria, and is intended for international best management practices.

Swedish oil spill preparedness is shown to be comparable to the Baltic Sea regional practice. The Swedish RETOS™ evaluation score is 69%, compared to the average 73.1% of the examined countries. A statistical difference exists between Sweden and both Norway and the United States.

Swedish oil spill preparedness is comparable to the Baltic Sea Region countries despite: not having a National Contingency Plan, not using the Tiered Preparedness and Response concept, nor having adopted an Incident Management System. This suggests that these concepts are not essential for a functioning preparedness regime, although Sweden instead has a system serving the same function. However, it also questions what effect implementing these concepts would have on Swedish preparedness.
Protecting Workers During Crude Oil Derailment Response
Authors: Skelton Scott , Kind John
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACT: 2017-215

Protecting hazardous material (HAZMAT) responders during the response and remediation of crude oil derailments challenges the normal conventions of worker protection and personal protective equipment (PPE). Hazards associated with crude oil derailment response such as chemical exposure, fire, water, and thermal stress require adaptation of worker protection and PPE to address worker safety. Traditional approaches to worker protection, in some cases, do not fully protect the HAZMAT responder with regard to the variety of hazards present at a crude oil derailment site. Those responsible for establishing worker protection and PPE must closely analyze all hazards present and alter process and/or PPE based on the most aggressive and predominant hazard for a specific task. Broad application of respiratory protection may protect only a small portion of workers from chemical exposure while adding additional hazards to other workers who are not at risk of exposure based on proximity or duration of their work task. In many cases, chemical protective suits are used to protect workers from skin contact and heavy soiling to clothes. With chemical suits, there is an increased risk of heat stress, loss of coordination and mobility, and other unintended hazards; therefore, a thorough risk assessment must be completed to determine if chemical suits are appropriate and if adaptations to chemical suits are required to reduce these additional hazards to cleanup workers. Furthermore, at derailment sites where large quantities of crude oil have been spilled, cleanup activities should be altered during hot work or during active fires to limit the presence of nearby workers conducting oil cleanup operations. It is the responsibility of those directing safety and operations to work closely together and agree upon operational periods and PPE, while adapting where necessary to protect all workers during each day of the response.
Comparative Study to Determine the Biodegradability of Dispersants at Environmentally Relevant Concentrations
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhuang Mobing , Campo Pablo , Deshpande Ruta Suresh , Sundaravadivelu Devi , Conmy Robyn N. , Santo Domingo Jorge W.
Published: December 2017

Chemical dispersant agents reduce the interfacial tension between oil and water, and increase the surface area to volume ratio of oil droplets thus facilitating the biodegradation of spilled oil. Dispersants are composed of surface active molecules known as surfactants and various commercial products contain Dioctyl Sulfosuccinate (DOSS) as the active surfactant ingredient. Since previous laboratory studies were conducted at oil and dispersant concentrations significantly higher (~0.7 g/L oil with Dispersant to Oil Ratio (DOR) of 1:25) than those typically found in field conditions, experiments were conducted at low levels of oil and dispersant (28 μg/L oil with DOR of 1:25) in order to determine the degradation trends at environmentally relevant concentrations. Experiments were conducted using two crude oils (Alaskan North Slope (ANS) and Endicott) and two dispersant products (Corexit 9500 and Finasol OSR 52) to study the biodegradation of dispersants and dispersed oil and oil alone samples were used as controls. Two oil degrading cultures, isolated from the surface (meso) and deep sea (cryo) of the Gulf of Mexico, were enriched on crude oil at 25 and 5 °C and were used as the inocula. The biodegradation experiments were performed at 5 °C for 56 days and at 25 °C for 48 days using sterile GP2 artificial seawater as the media. The time series concentration of DOSS, the primary surfactant in the dispersants was monitored using LC-MS/MS in addition to the oil concentration which was measured using GC-MS/MS. Although the initial concentration of DOSS in Finasol OSR 52 was 20% higher than in Corexit 9500, over 95% of the anionic surfactant fraction was metabolized for both types of dispersant products by the end of the experiment at 25 °C while it persisted at 5 °C. The effect of dispersant and oil type on microbial community structure was also analyzed using PCR analysis. Results indicated that the abundance of Thalassospira correlated well with hydrocarbon degradation trends. The results from this study significantly expands on our understanding of biodegradation of DOSS, dispersed, and non-dispersed oil and also provides information regarding bacterial community composition.
FROM THE TORREY CANYON TO TODAY: A 50 YEAR RETROSPECTIVE OF RECOVERY FROM THE OIL SPILL AND INTERACTION WITH CLIMATE-DRIVEN FLUCTUATIONS ON CORNISH ROCKY SHORES
Authors: Hawkins Stephen J. , Evans Ally J. , Moore Jon , Whittington Mark , Pack Kathryn , Firth Louise B. , Adams Leoni C. , Moore Pippa J. , Masterson-Algar Patricia , Mieszkowska Nova , Southward Eve C.
Published: December 2017

The Torrey Canyon was wrecked in 1967 with 117,000 tons of crude oil on board. The Plymouth Laboratory of the Marine Biological Association (MBA) of the UK was mobilized to deal with this environmental catastrophe. Many of the rocky shores affected by the spill and unaffected control sites had been studied by staff from the MBA, with A.J. and E.C. Southward charting fluctuations of rocky shore fauna and flora from the early 1950s – particularly barnacles – in relation to climate. Thus a baseline existed to help judge recovery of rocky shores from the beached oil and application of toxic first generation dispersants. A reminder is given of the initial acute impacts of the oil and its treatment by dispersants, and the first ten years of observations on recovery of shore communities. Subsequent follow-up work in the 1980s and 1990s suggested recovery took up to 15 years on the shore (Porthleven) subject to the most severe dispersant application. In contrast, recovery occurred in 2–3 years at Godrevy, a site where dispersants were not applied due to concerns about the impact on seals. The dispersants killed the dominant grazer, limpets of the genus Patella, leading to massive subsequent colonisation by seaweeds. The resulting canopy of fucoid algae (“rockweed” or “wrack”) facilitated dense recruitment of limpets. These subsequently grazed the seaweeds down, before the starving limpets largely died off after migrating across the shore in search of food. This reduction in limpet numbers and grazing pressure then prompted a further bloom of algae. There was then a return to normal levels of spatial and temporal variation of key species of seaweeds and limpets fluctuations charted at Porthleven from the mid 1980s to 2016. Comparisons are made with other oil spills for which long-term recovery has been assessed. Lessons learnt from observations stretching back 60 years, both before and after the spill, for rocky shore monitoring are highlighted – especially the need for broad-scale and long-term monitoring to separate out local impacts (such as oil spills) from global climate-driven change.
Diurnal Variation of Tropical Ice Cloud Microphysics: Evidence from Global Precipitation Measurement Microwave Imager Polarimetric Measurements
Authors: Gong Jie , Zeng Xiping , Wu Dong L. , Li Xiaowen
Published: December 2017

The diurnal variation of tropical ice clouds has been well observed and examined in terms of the occurring frequency and total mass but rarely from the viewpoint of ice microphysical parameters. It accounts for a large portion of uncertainties in evaluating ice clouds' role on global radiation and hydrological budgets. Owing to the advantage of precession orbit design and paired polarized observations at a high‐frequency microwave band that is particularly sensitive to ice particle microphysical properties, 3 years of polarimetric difference (PD) measurements using the 166 GHz channel of Global Precipitation Measurement Microwave Imager (GPM‐GMI) are compiled to reveal a strong diurnal cycle over tropical land (30°S–30°N) with peak amplitude varying up to 38%. Since the PD signal is dominantly determined by ice crystal size, shape, and orientation, the diurnal cycle observed by GMI can be used to infer changes in ice crystal properties. Moreover, PD change is found to lead the diurnal changes of ice cloud occurring frequency and total ice mass by about 2 h, which strongly implies that understanding ice microphysics is critical to predict, infer, and model ice cloud evolution and precipitation processes.
Substorm Occurrence and Intensity Associated With Three Types of Solar Wind Structure
Authors: Liou Kan , Sotirelis Thomas , Richardson Ian
Published: December 2017

This paper presents the results of a study of the characteristics of substorms that occurred during three distinct types of solar wind: coronal mass ejection (CME) associated, high‐speed streams (HSS), and slow solar wind (SSW). A total number of 53,468 geomagnetic substorm onsets from 1983 to 2009 is used and sorted by the three solar wind types. It is found that the probability density function (PDF) of the intersubstorm time can be fitted by the combination of a dominant power law with an exponential cutoff component and a minor lognormal component, implying that substorms are associated with two distinctly different dynamical processes corresponding, perhaps, to the “externally driven” and “internally driven” processes, respectively. We compare substorm frequency and intensity associated with the three types of solar wind. It is found that the intersubstorm time is the longest during SSW and shortest during CME intervals. The averaged intersubstorm time for the internally driven substorms is 3.13, 3.15, and 7.96 h for CME, HSS, and SSW, respectively. The substorm intensity PDFs, as represented by the peak value of |SML| (the generalization of AL), can be fitted by two lognormal distribution functions. The averaged substorm intensity for either component is largest for CME (292 and 674 nT) and smallest for SSW (265 and 434 nT). We argue that the externally driven substorms are more intense than those driven internally. We conclude that the dynamical process of substorms is controlled mainly by the direct solar wind‐magnetosphere coupling, whereas the internally driven process only plays a very modest minor role.
A Method for Deriving All‐Sky Evapotranspiration From the Synergistic Use of Remotely Sensed Images and Meteorological Data
Authors: Leng Pei , Li Zhao‐Liang , Duan Si‐Bo , Tang Ronglin , Gao Mao‐Fang
Published: December 2017

Evapotranspiration (ET) is an important component of the water and energy cycle. The present study develops a practical approach for generating all‐sky ET with the synergistic use of satellite images and meteorological data. In this approach, the ET over clear‐sky pixels is estimated from a two‐stage land surface temperature (LST)/fractional vegetation cover feature space method where the dry/wet edges are determined from theoretical calculations. For cloudy pixels, the Penman‐Monteith equation is used to calculate the ET where no valid remotely sensed LST is available. An evaluation of the method with ET collected at ground‐based large aperture scintillometer measurements at the Yucheng Comprehensive Experimental Station (YCES) in China is performed over a growth period from April to October 2010. The results show that the root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) and bias over clear‐sky pixels are 57.3 W/m2 and 18.2 W/m2, respectively, whereas an RMSE of 69.3 W/m2 with a bias of 12.3 W/m2 can be found over cloudy pixels. Moreover, a reasonable overall RMSE of 65.3 W/m2 with a bias of 14.4 W/m2 at the YCES can be obtained under all‐sky conditions, indicating a promising prospect for the derivation of all‐sky ET using currently available satellite and meteorological data at a regional or global scale in future developments.
Is Anti–Citrullinated Protein Antibody–Positive Rheumatoid Arthritis Still a More Severe Disease Than Anti–Citrullinated Protein Antibody–Negative Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Longitudinal Cohort Study in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Diagnosed From 2000 Onward
Authors: Boer Aleid C. , Boonen Annelies , van der Helm van Mil Annette H. M.
Published: December 2017

Objective

Because of its association with joint destruction, anti–citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)–positive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered to be more severe than ACPA‐negative RA. Clinically relevant joint destruction is now infrequent thanks to adequate disease suppression. According to patients, important outcomes are pain, fatigue, and independence. We evaluated whether ACPA‐positive RA patients diagnosed during or after 2000 have more severe self‐reported limitations and impairments, including restrictions at work, than ACPA‐negative RA patients.

Methods

A total of 492 ACPA‐positive and 450 ACPA‐negative RA patients who fulfilled the 2010 criteria and were included in the Leiden Early Arthritis Clinic cohort during or after 2000 were compared for self‐reported pain, fatigue, disease activity, general well‐being (measured by numerical rating scales), physical function (measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire), and work restrictions, including absenteeism at baseline and during the 4‐year followup. Linear mixed models were used.

Results

At disease presentation, ACPA‐negative patients had more severe pain, fatigue, self‐reported disease activity scores, and functional disability (P < 0.05), although absolute differences were small. During followup, ACPA‐negative patients remained somewhat more fatigued (P = 0.002), whereas other patient‐reported impairments and limitations were similar. Thirty‐eight percent of ACPA‐negative and 48% of ACPA‐positive patients reported absenteeism (P = 0.30), with median 4 days missed in both groups in the last 3 months. Also, restrictions at work among employed patients and restrictions with household work were not statistically different at baseline and during followup.

Conclusion

In current rheumatology practice, ACPA‐positive RA is not more severe than ACPA‐negative RA in terms of patients’ relevant outcomes, including physical functioning and restrictions at work. This implies that efforts to further improve the disease course should be proportional to both disease subsets.
Roles of Polymer Layer in Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells via Interface Engineering
Authors: Yang Fengjiu , Lim Hong En , Wang Feijiu , Ozaki Masashi , Shimazaki Ai , Liu Jiewei , Mohamed Nur Baizura , Shinokita Keisuke , Miyauchi Yuhei , Wakamiya Atsushi , Murata Yasujiro , Matsuda Kazunari
Published: December 2017

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted intensive attention as the most promising next‐generation photovoltaic technology because they both enable accelerated development of photovoltaic performance and are compatible with low‐cost fabrication methods. The strategy of interface engineering of the perovskite layer in PSCs is expected to result in further enhancement of the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs via minimizing the charge recombination loss. Here, a high current–voltage (stabilized power output) PCE of 20.4% (19.9%) in CH3NH3PbI3 PSCs under reverse scanning conditions is demonstrated by incorporating a solution‐processed polymer layer of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) between the perovskite photoactive layer and the hole transport layer. Moreover, steady‐state and time‐resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy and impedance spectroscopy are used to reveal the mechanism of the enhancement of the photovoltaic performance and its stability by the PMMA layer in a CH3NH3PbI3 PSC device. The morphology modification, surface passivation, and protection of the perovskite layer by the insulating PMMA layer substantially contribute to the enhancement of photovoltaic performance and its stability, despite a slight reduction of the charge extraction efficiency. The demonstrated high PCEs and insights obtained into the working mechanism of the PMMA layer pave the way for the industrial application of CH3NH3PbI3 PSCs.
Optimized Activation of Solution‐Processed Amorphous Oxide Semiconductors for Flexible Transparent Conductive Electrodes
Authors: Choi Byung Doo , Park Joohyung , Baeg Kang‐Jun , Kang Minji , Heo Jae Sang , Kim Seonhyoung , Won Jongkook , Yu Seungwoo , Ahn Kyunghan , Lee Tae Hoon , Hong Jongin , Kim Dong‐Yu , Usta Hakan , Kim Choongik , Park Sung Kyu , Kim Myung‐Gil
Published: December 2017

Here, the preparation of transparent amorphous oxide semiconductor (AOS) films with unprecedented conductivity via an optimized activation process under hydrogen atmosphere for applications in solution‐processed large‐area optoelectronics is reported. Owing to their high cost and mechanical vulnerability, conventional vacuum‐processed indium–tin oxide (ITO) electrodes are inappropriate for use in next‐generation flexible and wearable electronic devices and systems. As an alternative to the ITO electrodes, solution‐processed AOS films, such as a‐IZO and a‐ZITO, with an optimized composition and postreduction treatment under hydrogen show the highest electrical conductivity of ≈300 S cm−1 and a high optical transmittance of over 90% at 550 nm. The microstructures and electrical properties of these AOS films are also studied in order to determine the optimized chemical composition and postreduction conditions. It is found that a controlled hydrogen reduction treatment of AOS films is critical for achieving high electrical conductivity by suppressing the surface morphology degradation and grain boundary disconnection. Furthermore, the a‐IZO transparent conductive electrodes are successfully implemented for high efficiency organic photovoltaic cells based on the PTB7/PC71BM active layers. This technique promises the low‐cost fabrication of high mobility and/or conductive AOSs for their applications in large‐area transparent and flexible optoelectronics.
Identification Reduces Stigma of Mental Ill‐Health: A Community‐Based Study
Authors: Kearns Michelle , Muldoon Orla T. , Msetfi Rachel M. , Surgenor Paul W.G.
Published: December 2017

The stigma surrounding mental ill‐health is an important issue that affects likelihood of diagnosis and uptake of services, as those affected may work to avoid exposure, judgment, or any perceived loss in status associated with their mental ill‐health. In this study, we drew upon social identity theory to examine how social group membership might influence the stigma surrounding mental ill‐health. Participants from two urban centers in Ireland (N = 626) completed a survey measuring stigma of mental health, perceived social support as well as identification with two different social groups (community and religion). Mediation analysis showed that subjective identification with religious and community groups led to greater perceived social support and consequently lower perceived stigma of mental ill‐health. Furthermore, findings indicated that high identification with more than one social group can lead to enhanced social resources, and that identification with a religious group was associated with greater community identification. This study thus extends the evidence base of group identification by demonstrating its relationship with stigma of mental ill‐health, while also reinforcing how multiple identities can interact to enhance social resources crucial for well‐being.
Salty stories, fresh spaces: Lessons for aquatic protected areas from marine and freshwater experiences
Authors: Loury Erin K. , Ainsley Shaara M. , Bower Shannon D. , Chuenpagdee Ratana , Farrell Tracy , Guthrie Amanda G. , Heng Sokrith , Lunn Zau , Mamun Abdullah Al , Oyanedel Rodrigo , Rocliffe Steve , Satumanatpan Suvaluck , Cooke Steven J.
Published: December 2017

Marine protected areas (MPAs) and freshwater protected areas (FPAs), collectively aquatic protected areas (APAs), share many commonalities in their design, establishment, and management, suggesting great potential for sharing lessons learned. However, surprisingly little has been exchanged to date, and both realms of inquiry and practice have progressed mostly independent of each other.

This paper builds on a session held at the 7th World Fisheries Congress in Busan, South Korea, in May 2016, which explored crossover lessons between marine and freshwater realms, and included case studies of four MPAs and five FPAs (or clusters of FPAs) from nine countries.

This review uses the case studies to explore similarities, differences, and transferrable lessons between MPAs and FPAs under five themes: (1) ecological system; (2) establishment approaches; (3) effectiveness monitoring; (4) sustaining APAs; and (5) challenges and external threats.

Ecological differences between marine and freshwater environments may necessitate different approaches for collecting species and habitat data to inform APA design, establishment and monitoring, but once collected, similar spatial ecological tools can be applied in both realms. In contrast, many similarities exist in the human dimension of both MPA and FPA establishment and management, highlighting clear opportunities for exchanging lessons related to stakeholder engagement and support, and for using similar socio‐economic and governance assessment methods to address data gaps in both realms.

Regions that implement MPAs and FPAs could work together to address shared challenges, such as developing mechanisms for diversified and sustained funding, and employing integrated coastal/watershed management to address system‐level threats. Collaboration across realms could facilitate conservation of diadromous species in both marine and freshwater habitats.

Continued exchange and increased collaboration would benefit both realms, and may be facilitated by defining shared terminology, holding cross‐disciplinary conferences or sessions, publishing inclusive papers, and proposing joint projects.
Prepare student‐athletes for life after college athletics
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: December 2017

College athletics administrators have a different perspective than student‐athletes. Athletics administrators know all too well that the vast majority of student‐athletes won't go pro.
Investment in student‐athlete success pays dividends
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: December 2017

Albert Gasparian knows that transforming an athletics department's culture requires an ongoing investment of time. In fact, at least two years passed before he witnessed significant changes in the culture of the athletics department at Golden West College in Huntington Beach, California, where he's served as dean/athletics director for 13 years now.
Parotid swelling after Russell's viper envenomation: an unusual and poor prognostic sign
Authors: Sasidaran Maanoj N. , Samuel Stephen P. , ChinnaRaju Soundararaj , Antonysamy Michael , Bulfone Tommaso C. , Lewin Matthew R.
Published: December 2017

Key Clinical Message

Parotid swelling, an unusual and poorly understood sign, is associated with poor prognosis in the setting of Russell's viper envenomation. The large, aggressive Russell's viper is one of the most deadly snakes causing severe hematological and neurological manifestations. Research into this sign should be initiated and understanding could lead to improved outcomes.
Understanding the Hydro‐Metathesis Reaction of 1‐Decene By Using Well‐Defined Silica Supported W, Mo, Ta Carbene/Carbyne Complexes
Authors: Saidi Aya , Samantaray Manoja K. , Tretiakov Mykyta , Kavitake Santosh , Basset Jean‐Marie
Published: December 2017

Direct conversion of 1‐decene to petroleum range alkanes was obtained using hydro‐metathesis reaction. To understand this reaction we employed three different well‐defined single site catalysts precursors; [(≡Si‐O‐)W(CH3)5] 1, [(≡Si‐O‐)Mo(≡CtBu)(CH2tBu)2] 2 and [(≡Si‐O)Ta(=CHtBu)(CH2tBu)2] 3. We witnessed that in our conditions olefin metathesis/isomerization of 1‐decene occurs much faster followed by reduction of the newly formed olefins rather than reduction of the 1‐decene to decane, followed by metathesis of decane. We found that Mo‐based catalyst favors [2+2] cycloaddition of 1‐decene forming metallocarbene, followed by reduction of the newly formed olefins to alkanes. However, in the case of W and Ta‐based catalysts, a rapid isomerization (migration) of the double bond followed by olefin metathesis and reduction of the newly formed olefins were observed. We witnessed that silica supported W catalyst precursor 1 and Mo catalyst precursor 2 are better catalysts for hydro‐metathesis reaction with TONs of 818 and 808 than Ta‐based catalyst 3 (TON of 334). This comparison of the catalysts provides us a better understanding that, if a catalyst is efficient in olefin metathesis reaction it would be a better catalyst for hydro‐metathesis reaction.
Analyzing the impact of communication imbalance in high‐speed networks
Authors: Utrera Gladys , Gil Marisa , Martorell Xavier
Published: December 2017

In this work we analyze the communication load imbalance generated by irregular‐data applications running in a multi‐node cluster. Experimental approaches to diminish communication load imbalance are evaluated using a hybrid programming model MPI + OpenMP including certain optimizations such as computation‐communication overlap, issuing communications in parallel, and a new proposal based on message fragmentation to take advantage of the eager‐protocol. Performance results show that overlapped versions can obtain a great benefit of this optimization because it avoids switching to rendezvous protocols. However, non‐overlapped versions showed a better performance than overlapped ones. To evaluate also the impact due to network latency, the work has been tested on two high‐speed interconnection networks: Infiniband and 10 Gigabit Ethernet. In this case, the optimizations in the non‐overlapped miniFE benchmark reached and improved up to 7% on Infiniband and 11% on 10 Gigabit.
A distributed parallel algorithm for inferring hierarchical groups from large‐scale text corpuses
Authors: Seshadri Karthick , S. Mercy Shalinie , Manohar Sidharth
Published: December 2017

We propose a distributed parallel algorithm for inferring the hierarchical groups present in a large‐scale text corpus. The algorithm is designed to deal with corpuses that typically do not fit into the main memory of a workstation computer. The key contribution of this paper lies in its proposal and verification of a parallel distributed algorithm that exploits the advantages of two complementary techniques based on (i) localized modularity optimization and (ii) spectral clustering. Based on our experimental observations, these are complementary in the sense that the former excels at finding coarse groups in a large‐scale network, while the latter demands a heavy memory footprint but is effective in inferring tightly knit fine‐grained groups. Empirical evaluation of the distributed implementation scheme shows that the algorithm exhibits a significant speed‐up when compared to existing algorithms like Louvain and, at the same time, produces better quality clusters than either Louvain or spectral clustering algorithms in terms of the F‐score and Rand index.
Expectations about the effectiveness of pain‐ and itch‐relieving medication administered via different routes
Authors: Peerdeman K.J. , Tekampe J. , van Laarhoven A.I.M. , van Middendorp H. , Rippe R.C.A. , Peters M.L. , Evers A.W.M.
Published: December 2017

Background

Placebo effects on pain have been found to vary in size for different routes of medication administration (e.g. oral vs. injection). This has important implications for both clinical research and practice. To enhance our understanding of these differential placebo effects, research on the underlying expectations about multiple routes and symptoms other than pain is vital.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, Internet‐based survey was conducted in a representative sample of the Dutch population (n = 508). Respondents rated the expected effectiveness of pain‐ and itch‐relieving medication in six forms, representing oral, injection and topical routes of administration.

Results

Injected medication was expected to be most effective for relieving pain, and topical medication for relieving itch. Furthermore, exploratory analyses showed that injections were expected to have the most rapid onset and long‐lasting effects, and to be most frightening and expensive, while topical medication was expected to be the safest and the easiest to use, and oral medication was expected to have the most side effects. Higher expected effectiveness was moderately associated with expectations of more rapid onset and long‐lasting effects, and better safety and ease of use. Associations of expected effectiveness with respondent characteristics (e.g. medication use and personality characteristics) were statistically small or nonsignificant.

Conclusions

Expected effectiveness of medication differed depending on route of administration and targeted symptom. These findings have important implications for the design and interpretation of clinical trials and suggest that medication effects might be enhanced by prescribing medicine via the route that patients expect to be most effective for their complaint.

Significance

Differences in the expected effectiveness of medication depend on the route of administration (oral, injection, topical) and targeted symptom (pain, itch). These findings have important implications for clinical practice and the design and interpretation of clinical trials.
EMI effect simulation of braided cable network using a hybrid FDTD method
Authors: Luo Jun , Wang Jian , Xia Yin‐Shui , Wang Lun‐Yao
Published: December 2017

This paper proposes a novel time domain numerical scheme based on a modified finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method for electromagnetic interference (EMI) analysis of braided cable networks. In this method, a reasonable physical boundary condition is constructed by a transfer impedance model, while the spatial fields can be applied by way of adding incentive items into the transmission line equations. Besides, the full‐wave finite‐difference time‐domain(2, 4) method with thin wire model, transmission line equation and the modified nodal analysis are combined in order to solve cable‐interconnect line network transient responses in the problem of field‐line‐circuit union simulation. This method has good agreements with HSPICE. In addition, the method is used successfully in analyzing a cable‐interconnect network with different shielding characteristics.
Sweet Vector for Gene Delivery: the Sugar Decoration of Polyplexes Reduces Cytotoxicity with a Balanced Effect on Gene Expression
Authors: Albuquerque Lindomar J. C. , Alavarse Alex C. , Carlan da Silva Maria C. , Zilse Morgana S. , Barth Maitê T. , Bellettini Ismael C. , Giacomelli Fernando C.
Published: December 2017

The use of sugar‐functionalized polyplexes as a nonviral gene delivery vector with lower cytotoxicity than the well‐known polymeric carrier branched polyethyleneimine (BPEI) is investigated. The substitution of primary amine groups in the BPEI chains with lactose residues leads to larger polyplexes, presumably due to the higher amount of polymer required to complete DNA condensation. Nevertheless, the sugar functionalization substantially reduces the cytotoxicity of the assemblies. The nanocomplexes are taken up by the cells to a greater extent, whereas the levels of gene expression are maintained compared to those obtained using BPEI, which is known for its excellent transfection efficiency. Accordingly, the preparation of lower‐cytotoxicity polyplexes while maintaining gene expression, which is highly relevant to the field, is demonstrated.
Synthesis and Properties of Symmetric Side‐Chain Quaternized Poly(Arylene Ether Sulfone)s for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Wu Wenjun , Wei Biaowen , Feng Jun , Chi Bin , Liao Shijun , Li Xiuhua , Yu Yigang
Published: December 2017

Poly(arylene ether sulfone)s containing symmetric side‐chain benzyltrimethyl ammonium groups are synthesized via Suzuki reaction, copolycondensation, and functionalization. Two series of anion exchange membranes, 4C‐y‐Q and 8C‐y‐Q, containing four or eight pendent benzyl or cationic groups are synthesized to clarify the steric effect of the benzyl groups on the water channels. 1H NMR and transmission electron microscopy are used to study the chemical structure and morphology, respectively. These two series of membranes are assessed in terms of ion exchange capacity (IEC), water uptake, swelling ratio, λ, hydroxide ion conductivity (σ ), mechanical properties, thermal stability, and alkaline stability. The 4C‐y‐Q membranes show better‐defined microphase separation morphology and higher ion conductivity (206.2 mS cm−1 at 80 °C) than most of the reported membranes. Ionic conduction efficiency (σ/IEC) can be improved and made higher than that of Nafion with lower ion transport activation energy. The obtained membranes with superior properties reveal their prospective application in anion exchange membrane fuel cells.