bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPROVEMENT OF EFFICIENCY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION OF STUDENTS AT HIGHER SCHOOL
Authors:   South-Ural State Humanitarian Pedagogical University, Kravtsova L.M. , Shakamalov G.M.
Published: October 2020

A topical problem of students’ physical education at higher school is discussed. The problem of students’ physical education in higher school conditions has been theoretically analyzed. A hypothesis is suggested that students’ participation in sports competitions promotes higher physical conditioning of students. Methodology has been developed to prepare and hold sports competitions at higher school. Within the framework of the research conducted a pedagogical experiment was set up to implement the suggested method of students’ sports training. The results of the pedagogical experiment prove the advanced hypothesis. Physical conditions of the students who participated in the sports competitions showed higher increase of physical preparedness as compared to the students who did not participate in the sports competitions.
PROFESSIONAL READINESS OF THE TEACHERS TO CREATE ELECTRONIC EDUCATIONAL CONTENT (BY THE EXAMPLE OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS)
Authors:   Russian State Vocational Pedagogical University, Akimova O.B. , Zavyalova V.A.
Published: October 2020

The possibility of implementing additional professional programs using e-learning and distance learning technologies is discussed. The condition for the effectiveness of this activity is the professional readiness of the teacher to create electronic educational content. The scientific literature on the problems of teachers' readiness has been analyzed. Components have been identified and criteria for professional readiness have been defined. The purpose of the work was to identify the readiness of teachers to create electronic educational content. On the basis of theoretical and empirical methods the conclusions were made that a condition of qualitative organization of the teacher's own activity on creation of electronic educational content is a set of all components of professional readiness. Thus, the task of effective implementation of additional professional programs with the use of e-learning and distance educational technologies is solved.
Probing the ionotropic activity of glutamate GluD2 receptor in HEK cells with genetically-engineered photopharmacology
Authors: Lemoine Damien , Mondoloni Sarah , Tange Jérome , Lambolez Bertrand , Faure Philippe , Taly Antoine , Tricoire Ludovic , Mourot Alexandre
Published: October 2020

Glutamate delta (GluD) receptors belong to the ionotropic glutamate receptor family, yet they don’t bind glutamate and are considered orphan. Progress in defining the ion channel function of GluDs in neurons has been hindered by a lack of pharmacological tools. Here, we used a chemo-genetic approach to engineer specific and photo-reversible pharmacology in GluD2 receptor. We incorporated a cysteine mutation in the cavity located above the putative ion channel pore, for site-specific conjugation with a photoswitchable pore blocker. In the constitutively open GluD2 Lurcher mutant, current could be rapidly and reversibly decreased with light. We then transposed the cysteine mutation to the native receptor, to demonstrate with high pharmacological specificity that metabotropic glutamate receptor signaling triggers opening of GluD2. Our results assess the functional relevance of GluD2 ion channel and introduce an optogenetic tool that will provide a novel and powerful means for probing GluD2 ionotropic contribution to neuronal physiology.
Influences of heel height on human postural stability and functional mobility between inexperienced and experienced high heel shoe wearers
Authors: Chen Yiyang , Li Jing Xian , Wang Lin
Published: October 2020

Background

High heel shoes (HHS) can affect human postural control because elevated heel height (HH) may result in plantar flexed foot and limit ankle joint range of motion during walking. Effects of HH and HHS wearing experience on postural stability during self-initiated and externally triggered perturbations are less examined in the literature. Hence, the objective of the present study is to investigate the influences of HH on human postural stability during dynamic perturbations, perceived stability, and functional mobility between inexperienced and experienced HHS wearers.

Methods

A total of 41 female participants were recruited (21 inexperienced HHS wearers and 20 experienced HHS wearers). Sensory organization test (SOT), motor control test (MCT), and limits of stability (LOS) were conducted to measure participant’s postural stability by using computerized dynamic posturography. Functional reach test and timed up and go test were performed to measure functional mobility. The participants’ self-perceived stability was assessed by visual analog scale. Four pairs of shoes with different HH (i.e., 0.8, 3.9, 7.0, and 10.1 cm) were applied to participants randomly. Repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted to detect the effects of HH and HHS wearing experience on each variable.

Results

During self-initiated perturbations, equilibrium score remarkably decreased when wearing 10.1 cm compared with flat shoes and 3.9 cm HHS. The contribution of vision to postural stability was larger in 10.1 cm HHS than in flat shoes. The use of ankle strategy worsened when HH increased to 7 cm. Similarly, the directional control of the center of gravity (COG) decreased for 7 cm HHS in LOS. Experienced wearers showed significantly higher percentage of ankle strategy and COG directional control than novices. Under externally triggered perturbations, postural stability was substantially decreased when HH reached 3.9 cm in MCT. No significant difference was found in experienced wearers compared with novices in MCT. Experienced wearers exhibited considerably better functional mobility and perceived stability with increased HH.

Conclusions

The use of HHS may worsen dynamic postural control and functional mobility when HH increases to 3.9 cm. Although experienced HHS wearers exhibit higher proportion of ankle strategy and COG directional control, the experience may not influence overall human postural control. Sensory organization ability, ankle strategy and COG directional control might provide useful information in developing a safety system and prevent HHS wearers from falling.
Treatment with Bifidobacteria can suppress Aβ accumulation and neuroinflammation in APP/PS1 mice
Authors: Wu Qiong , Li Qifa , Zhang Xuan , Ntim Michael , Wu Xuefei , Li Ming , Wang Li , Zhao Jie , Li Shao
Published: October 2020

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), being a complex disorder, is affected either by genetic or environmental factors or both. It is observed that there is an excessive accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) in the extracellular space of the brain. AD is the first neurodegenerative disease in the elderly, and so far there is no effective treatment. In recent years, many studies have reported that Alzheimer’s disease has a relationship with gut microflora, indicating that regulating gut microbiota could offer therapeutic intervention for AD. This study explored the effect Bifidobacteria has in averting AD.

Methods

WT and APP/PS1 mice were used for the experiments. The mice were randomly assigned to four groups: WT group, WT + Bi group, AD group (APP/PS1 mouse) and AD + Bi group (Bifidobacteria-treated APP/PS1 mouse). Treatment with Bifidobacteria lasted for 6 months and mice were prepared for immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Thioflavin S staining, Western blotting, PCR and Elisa quantitative assay.

Results

The results show that after 6 months of treatment with Bifidobacteria signiis to be lesficantly reduces Aβ deposition in cortex and hippocampus of AD mice. The level of insoluble Aβ in the hippocampus and cortex of AD+Bi mice was decreased compared with AD mice. Meanwhile, a significant decrease in the level of soluble Aβ in the cortex of AD+Bi mice but not in the hippocampus was observed. The activation of microglia and the release of inflammatory factors were also determined in this study. From the results, Bifidobacteria inhibited microglial activation and reduced IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6 and INF-γ release. Altogether, these results implied that Bifidobacteria can alleviate the pathological changes of AD through various effects.
Examining Secondary School Students Perception Of “Mathematics As A Lesson”
Authors: DEMİR ERDEN Nur , ALTUN Sertel
Published: October 2020

Matematik, bireylerin düşünme sistemlerinin gelişmesinde, hayatlarında karşılaştıkları olayları anlamlandırmada ve sorunlarına çözüm bulmada kritik bir öneme sahiptir. Bu sebeple matematiğin iyi bir şekilde anlaşılması ve bireylerin
matematik başarısı, üzerinde hususiyetle durulan konulardır. Matematik başarısını etkileyen çeşitli etmenler bulunmaktadır. Bireylerin kendilerine has bir anlamlandırma süreci olarak tanımlanan algı, aynı zamanda matematik başarısını
etkileyen önemli içsel faktörlerdendir. Bu bağlamda araştırmacıların algıları ve bu algıları etkileyen değişkenleri anlaması matematik başarısı açısından da önem teşkil etmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, ortaokul öğrencilerinin ders
olarak matematik kavramına ait algılarını, belirlemek ve matematiğe yönelik oluşturdukları bu algıların altında yatan nedenleri ortaya çıkarmaktır. Araştırmada nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden olgu bilim kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın
çalışma grubunu 2017-2018 Eğitim Öğretim Yılı İstanbul ili Üsküdar ilçesinde bulunan üç devlet okulundan 295, iki özel okuldan 262 olmak üzere toplam 557 ortaokul öğrencisi oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada veri toplama aracı olarak
demografik bilgi ölçeği, kelime ilişkilendirme testi ve odak grup görüşme soru formu kullanılmıştır. Veriler içerik analizi yöntemi ile analiz edilerek kategori, tema, kodları belirlenmiş ve kodların frekans ve yüzde tabloları
oluşturulmuştur. Araştırma sonucunda öğrencilerin matematik algıları “Ders, konu, olumsuz düşünce, olumlu düşünce, hayat, duygular, öğretmen, fayda, zekâ, tanım, önemli kişi, meslek, aile ve bilim” olmak üzere 14 kategoride ortaya
çıkmış ve matematiğe yönelik algılarının çeşitlilik gösterdiği bulgusuna ulaşılmıştır. Ayrıca matematiğe yönelik algıların bireysel özellikler, öğretmen, fayda, konu, aile ve ders gibi faktörlerden dolayı da farklılaştığı da ortaya
çıkmıştır.
Secondary School Students' Views on Distance Learning
Authors: KAYNAR Hamza , KURNAZ Ahmet , DOĞRUKÖK Barış , BARIŞIK Canan ŞENTÜRK
Published: October 2020

Bu çalışma, öğrencilerin COVID-19 salgını sürecinde almış oldukları uzaktan eğitme ilişkin görüşlerinin ortaya çıkarılması amacıyla ortaokul öğrencilerinin görüşleri alınarak yapılmıştır. Bu araştırmanın çalışma grubunu koronavirüs
sebebi ile uzaktan eğitim alan 296 kız, 269 erkek olmak üzere toplam 565 ortaokul öğrencisi oluşturmaktadır. Bu araştırma için nitel ve nicel araştırma yöntemlerinin bir arada kullanıldığı karma yöntem deseni kullanılmıştır. Çalışma
grubu seçkisiz olmayan örnekleme yönteminden uygun/kazara örnekleme ile oluşturulmuştur. Araştırma verileri araştırmacılar tarafından hazırlanan “Ortaokul Öğrencileri Uzaktan Eğitim Algıları Ölçeği” kullanarak toplanmıştır. Bu
araştırma 20.10.2020 tarihinde Necmettin Erbakan Üniversitesi Sosyal ve Beşerî Bilimleri Bilimsel Araştırmalar Etik Kurulu’ndan 1 No’lu toplantı ve 2020/3 karar no’lu etik kurul izni alınarak çalışmaya başlanmıştır. Araştırma bulguları
ile öğrencinin okumakta olduğu okul türü, okula karşı sevgisi, uzaktan eğitimi takip ettiği kanal, internete bağlanma problemi yaşaması, EBA sistemine girerken sorun yaşaması, sahip olduğu donanım, uzaktan eğitimi izlediği yer
ve uzaktan eğitim sürecinin devamına göre uzaktan eğitime ilişkin olumlu puan oluşturmada anlamlı bir farklılık oluşturduğu tespit edilmiştir. Araştırma ile elde edilen nitel sonuçlara göre öğrenciler; yüz yüze eğitimin uzaktan
eğitimden daha yararlı olduğunu, verilen derslerin düzeylerine uygun olduğunu, ders tekrarları ile daha iyi öğrenebildiklerini, EBA TV/Uygulamanın tek başına yeterli olmadığını, canlı derslerde verimli bir şekilde geri bildirim
aldıklarını belirtmişlerdir. Araştırmadan elde edilen verilere göre öğrencilerin uzaktan eğitime ilişkin dersleri dikkatli bir şekilde dinlediği, düzenli bir şekilde takip ettiği, dersten önce ihtiyaçları ile ilgili (yemek, su,
ortam vb.) hazırlıklarını yaptığı, derslerde anlatılanların notunu tuttuğu, anlatılan konular ile ilgili rahatça soru sorabildiği ve sistemde karşılaştığı/karşılaşabileceği sorunları nasıl çözebileceğini bildiğini göstermektedir.
Ayrıca öğrenciler dersin nerede yapıldığının önemi, ders süresinin yeterliliği, yakın bir gelecekte eğitimin uzaktan eğitim sistemine dönüşüp dönüşmeyeceği konularında kesin bir görüş belirtememişlerdir.
Lodges and Zaviyas Referred in the Book of Travels of Evliya Çelebi and Their Founding Sheikhs
Authors: ÜLKÜ Osman
Published: October 2020

Büyük bir dünya devleti olan Osmanlı İmparatorluğu, yayıldığı geniş coğrafya üzerinde oldukça farklı mimari yapılar grubu (külliyeler, camiler, medreseler, mektepler, şifahaneler, hanlar, hamamlar, köprüler, kaleler, tabyalar, tekke
ve zaviyeler, bedestenler, çarşılar çeşme ve sebiller, su kemeri gibi) inşa etmiştir. Devlet eliyle veya yöneticiler ile varlıklı şahıslarında katkıda bulunduğu bu mimari örnekler imparatorluğun her köşesinde yer almaktadırlar.
Osmanlı İmparatorluğunun yayıldığı bu geniş topraklarda (Balkanlar, Arap Yarımadası, Kafkaslar, Anadolu ve Kuzey Afrika gibi) İslam kültürü ve medeniyetinin yayılmasında önemli bir rol üstlenen Tasavvuf Hareketi’nin önemli ölçüde
katkıları olmuştur. Tasavvuf Hareketi’nin yayıldığı tüm bölgelerde irili ufaklı birçok tarikat yapısı inşa edilmiş, kimileri bir kasaba kadar geniş alan üzerinde (Bulgaristan- Burgaz ve Gelibolu Mevlevihanesi gibi) kimileri de
ufak bir çilehane formunda (Gelibolu Bican Kardeşlerin Çilehanesi gibi) düzenlenmişlerdir. Tasavvuf Hareketi’nin icracıları ve üyelerinin barınması, konaklaması, eğitimleri, ibadet ve ritüellerinin yerine getirilmesi ve diğer ilim
irfan işlevlerinin gerçekleştirilebilmesi için tekke ve zaviye yapıları genel mimari örnekler içerisinde önemli bir yer tutmaktadırlar. Tekke ve zaviyelerin kuruluş aşamaları ile kurucu ve yöneticileri, hangi birimleri bünyesinde
barındırdığı, binalarının inşaat ve malzeme ile plan özellikleri gibi birçok konuda önemli bilgiler veren, Türk-İslam Tarihi’nin başlıca yazılı kaynaklarından olan Evliya Çelebi’nin Seyahatnamesi, bu özellikleriyle de Sanat Tarihi
alanına katkıda bulunmaktadır. Yapıların bulundukları yerleri, fiziki durumları, plan ve mimari özellikleri ile tarikat liderleri hakkında etraflıca bilgi yer almaktadır. Bu çalışmada: Seyahatnamenin orijinal Osmanlıca metinlerinden
ve Zuhuri Danışmanın seyahatname çevirisinden faydalanılmıştır. Evliya Çelebi’nin Anadolu topraklarında görüp incelediği, haklarında kurucu ve yöneticileriyle birlikte bilgi verdiği tekke ve zaviyeler ele alınmıştır.
Determination of Emotional States and Statements of Empathy in Picture Storybooks About Special Needs
Authors: ÇELİKEL Büşra , DURMUŞOĞLU Mine Canan
Published: October 2020

Bu araştırmanın amacı, özel gereksinimleri konu alan resimli hikaye kitaplarında geçen duygu durumlarını tespit ederek, empati ifadelerinin kitaplarda hangi duygu durumları kapsamında ele alındığını belirlemektir. Araştırma, tarama
modelinde betimsel bir çalışmadır. Araştırma kapsamında, ölçüt örnekleme ile seçilmiş 3-8 yaş grubundaki çocuklara yönelik yayınlanmış, özel gereksinimleri konu alan 41 resimli hikaye kitabı ayrıntılı olarak incelenmiştir. İncelenen
kitaplarda en çok rastlanan özel gereksinim türleri, süreğen hastalıklar, ortopedik yetersizlik, görme yetersizliği; en az rastlanan özel gereksinim türleri ise zihinsel yetersizlik, dil ve konuşma güçlüğü, gelişimsel koordinasyon
bozukluğudur. Veriler, literatür taramasına ve uzman görüşüne bağlı olarak araştırmacılar tarafından geliştirilen Metinlerde Duygu Durumlarını ve Empati İfadelerini İnceleme Formu ile toplanmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda, özel gereksinimleri
konu alan resimli hikaye kitapları arasında en çok yansıtılan duygu durumlarının sırayla, sıkıntı, sevinç, ilgili, üzüntü, tedirgin, sevgi, öfke, heyecanlı, şaşkın, korku, kararlı, hevesli, dikkatli, gururlu, suçlu, alaycı, utanmış
olduğu bulunmuştur. İncelenen kitaplarda toplam 1107 tane duygu durum ifadesine rastlanmıştır ve kitaplardaki duyguların %50.1’i olumlu duygulardan, %49.9’u olumsuz duygulardan oluşmaktadır. Kitaplarda empati ifadelerinin en çok
yansıtılma sırası ise; sıkıntı, ilgili, sevinç, sevgi, tedirgin, üzüntü, öfke, alaycı, korku, hevesli, dikkatli, kararlı, gururlu, şaşkın, heyecanlı, suçlu, utanmış şeklindedir. İncelenen kitaplarda toplam 293 tane empati ifadesine
rastlanmıştır ve empati ifadelerinin, %45.4’ü olumlu duygulardan, %54.6’sı olumsuz duygulardan oluşmaktadır. Bu bağlamda kitaplarda empati ifadelerine daha sık yer verilmesi ve çocukların duygu durumlarını tanımalarına ve empati
kurma becerilerinin geliştirilmesine yönelik olarak etkileşimli kitap okuma etkinlikleri tasarlanıp uygulanması önerilmektedir.
Al-Fārābī’s Epistemology, Ontology and Contributions to Philosophy
Authors: YILMAZ Ahmet Yusuf
Published: October 2020

Bu çalışma, genel hatlarıyla Fârâbî’nin öncüsü olduğu Meşşâîliğin prensipleri, ana fikri ve metodolojisi üzerine bilgi vermekte ve Fârâbî’nin epistemolojik ve ontolojik görüşleri çerçevesinde felsefeye yapmış olduğu katkıları, etkisini
ortaya koyma amacı ile yazılmıştır. Muallim-i Sani, Alpharabius gibi isimler ile de tanınan Fârâbî, İslam düşünce dünyasına Yunan felsefenin metodolojisini ve terminolojisini sistematik bir biçimde entegre etmiş Müslüman bir Türk
düşünürüdür. Çocukluğundan itibaren başta hukuk ve dini ilimler olmak üzere devrin en iyi hocalarından dersler almıştır. Kabiliyeti ve öğrenmeye merakı sayesinde birçok alanda uzmanlaşmış (hezarfen, polimat) bir alimdir. Bu özelliğinin
doğal bir sonucu olarak başta felsefe olmak üzere pek çok eser yazmıştır. Antik Yunan’daki Peripatosçuluk akımından esinlenerek özgün nitelendirilebilecek Meşşâî ekolünün temel metodolojisini, kavramlarını ve paradigmasını ortaya
koymuştur. Üretkenliğinin temeli, farklı felsefe ekollerinin görüşlerini eklektik bir metot ile seçerek özgün bir biçimde sentezlemesidir. Genel olarak, İslami epistemolojik ve ontolojik anlayışını, Yunan Felsefesi ile ele aldığı
görülmektedir. Bu yol ile Yunan felsefesi metodolojisi ile yapılan sorgulama metoduyla İslam akaidini açıklamaya çalışmıştır. Düşüncelerinin esasını Sokrates, Platon, Aristoteles gibi düşünürlerden alır. Fârâbî’nin sistemi, Aristoteles
mantığına dayanan akılcı bir metafiziktir. Felsefenin determinist sorgulama metodunu yaratıcılık (creatism) esaslı İslam anlayışına uyarlamıştır. Bu yol ile hikmet (felsefe) ile dini uzlaştırmaya gayret etmiştir.
Investigation of The Butterfly Effect of Covid-19 on Financial Markets in the Scope of The Chaos Theory
Authors: BAĞCI Haşim
Published: October 2020

Covid-19 pandemi süreci dünya ülkelerini psikolojik, sosyolojik, ekonomik hatta siyasi yönlerden negatif olarak etkilemiştir. Bu etki; sağlık, turizm, finans, üretim, gıda vb. birçok sektörde gerçekleşmiştir. Bu etkinin temelinde yatan
teori ise kaos teoremi ve bunun temel varsayımlarından olan kelebek etkisidir. İlk Covid-19 vakası Çin’in Vuhan şehrinde görüldüğünde, dünyanın diğer ülkeleri bu hastalığın yerel olduğunu düşünerek ilk başlarda yeterince önlem
almamıştır. Dolayısıyla, mevcut durumda tahmin edilemeyen sonuçlarla karşılaşılmış ve finansal piyasalar büyük bir sarsılma ve panik yaşamıştır. Aslında kelebek etkisi teorisinde de ifade edildiği üzere “Afrika’da bir kelebeğin
kanadını çırpması Amerika’da fırtınaya sebep olabilir”. Dolayısıyla önemsiz gibi görünen küçük şeyler aslında sistemin yapı taşıdır ve gelecekte sistemde büyük olumsuzluklara yol açabilir. Bu teori finansal piyasalar için de son
derece geçerlidir. Çünkü, finansal piyasaları etkileyen faktör o kadar fazladır ki; birini önemsiz diye yok saymak, finansal piyasaların tamamını etkileyebilecek düzeyde olumsuz etkiler yaratabilmektedir. Covid-19 sürecinin finansal
piyasalar üzerindeki etkisi Çin ekonomisiyle sınırlı kalacağı düşünülmüş; ancak kelebek etkisinde dünyanın herhangi bir yerindeki olumsuzluk tüm dünyayı etkilemektedir. Covid-19 küresel salgınıyla mücadele edebilmek için dünya
ülkelerinin birbiriyle iletişim halinde olarak her konuda yardımlaşması ve tek başlarına hareket etmemesi gereklidir. Hiçbir ülkenin bu salgını kendi başına çözeceği tahmin edilmemektedir. Öncelikle sağlık sektörüne önem verilip
bu salgının kırılması için aşı, tedavi vb. çözümler üretilmeye çalışılmaktadır. Ardından ise salgının ekonomik etkisinden minimum zararla kurtulabilmek için finansal destek paketleri başlığı adı altında; vergi indirimleri, düşük
faizli krediler, kredi ödeme ertelemesi, işletmeler için hibeler ve destekler, bankacılık sektörü için destekler ve piyasadaki nakit sıkıntısını aşmak için piyasa likiditesinin arttırılması gibi önlemler alınmaktadır. Yapılan bu
çalışmanın literatürdeki ampirik çalışmalardan farkı; küresel salgının doğurduğu belirsizlik ortamının hangi teoriyle açıklanacağı ve bu teorinin dünya finans piyasalarına nasıl etki yapacağını tespit etmektir.
Physicochemical Characteristics and Heavy Metal Levels of Four Rivers in Nkanu West and Nkanu East Local Government Areas of Enugu State Nigeria
Authors: Egbujor Melford C. , Ogbodo Ogechi J. , David Jacob A. , Anieze Eramus O. , Amasiatu Ifeanyi S. , Egwuatu Pius I.
Published: October 2020

The physicochemical properties and the concentrations of heavy metals of water samples collected from four different rivers of Nkanu east and west Local Government Areas of Enugu of state Nigeria were investigated because of the prevalent water borne diseases in these localities attributable to the drinking of contaminated water. The water samples were collected from different sites of Esu, Umuekwe, Umuobeagu and Atafu rivers and their physicochemical properties and heavy metal contents were measured. Sampling Stations were selected; samples were collected avoiding contamination from the selected sites in same season, from same depth. On site measurement of parameters was done with the same instruments. Rests of the parameters were measured in Laboratory. Lead (Pb) was present in Esu, Umuekwe, Umuobeagu and Atafu rivers at a concentration of 0.14, 0.03, 0.00 and 0.16 mg/L respectively; Zn was only detected in Esu and Umuobeagu at 0.07 and 0.01 mg/L respectively and cadmium (Cd) concentrations of 0.14, 0.14. 0.08 and 0.08 mg/L respectively. Iron was detected in only Umuekwe river having 0.17 mg/L and Atafu river having 0.21 mg/L while Ni was detected at 3.01, 4.20, 1.20 and 3.83 mg/L respectively. Only Atafu river had Cr at 0.01 mg/L, only Esu river had Co content at 0.05 mg/L, Mn content in Esu, Umuekwe, and Umuobeagu was found to be 0.01, 0.02 and 0.02 mg/L respectively with Atafu river having none. Hg concentration was found to be 0.57, 0.06, 0.42 and 0.82 mg/L for Esu, Umuekwe, Umuobeagu and Atafu rivers respectively. The concentrations of Pb and Cd were higher in all the four samples especially in Esu river as a result of its closeness to construction sites and refuse dump and the concentrations were above the acceptable limits of WHO standard of 0.010 and 0.005 mg/L respectively for drinking water while Hg, Fe, and Ni were found within the W.H.O limits of 0.001, 3.000 and 0.100 mg/L respectively. The rest were below the standard, thus confirming conclusively that the rivers are polluted with the presence of heavy metals.
Elimination of Smashed Ball Defect through Process and Design Improvement
Authors: Pulido Jonathan C. , Rodriguez Rennier S. , Gomez Frederick Ray I.
Published: October 2020

This paper presents the modification and improvement done on the wire clamp and top plate (WCTP) design to eliminate the bouncing effect of the silicon die that leads to smashed ball reject during the formation of wire. The protrusion of the unit on the vacuum hole produced movement and slight vibration that affects the consistency of wirebonding. Through changing the standard vacuum hole to micro-holes provides underneath support to the unit and eliminates the overhanging or protrusion during the formation of wire. The implementation of the micro-hole design reduced the defect parts per million (dppm) occurrence to zero.
Event‐triggered mean square consensus of linear multiagent systems with measurement noises
Authors: Cong Meiyan , Mu Xiaowu , Hu Zenghui
Published: October 2020

This article investigates mean square consensus of linear multiagent systems with measurement noises based on event‐triggered control. Considering various uncertain factors in the communication environment, multiplicative noises exists in the information that each agent measures from its neighbors. In order to save limited resources and to exclude the Zeno phenomenon, the update of the controller for each agent is driven by properly defined event‐triggered condition. Sufficient conditions are given to ensure exponential mean square consensus of multiagent systems with multiplicative noises by utilizing static and dynamic event‐triggered scheme. The interevent times of static event‐triggered mechanism is less than those of corresponding dynamic case for each agent. Finally, validity of the theoretical results is illustrated through a simulation example.
An experimental application of extremum seeking control to cultures of the microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus in a continuous photobioreactor
Authors: Feudjio Letchindjio Christian G. , Dewasme Laurent , Vande Wouwer Alain
Published: October 2020

The cultivation of microalgae in photobioreactors (PBRs) is important in various sectors such as food, bioenergy, pigments, and cosmetics. Productivity optimization can be achieved without the need for a dynamic process model using model‐free extremum seeking control (ESC). This article explores the use of ESC to drive the productivity of a continuous PBR to optimal or suboptimal setpoints. The latter can be achieved by estimating on‐line the gradient of a measurable performance index using a recursive least squares estimator and by regulating this gradient to a specific value (zero corresponding to the optimum) using the dilution rate as a manipulated variable. Experimental results for the cultivation of the microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus in a lab‐scale flat‐panel PBR are discussed. They show the fast convergence of ESC and its robustness towards environmental perturbations, such as changes in the incident light intensity.
Design Criteria for Horseshoe and Spiral‐Based Interconnects for Highly Stretchable Electronic Devices
Authors: Qaiser Nadeem , Damdam Asrar Nabil , Khan Sherjeel Munsif , Bunaiyan Saleh , Hussain Muhammad Mustafa
Published: October 2020

Stretchable electronics can be used for numerous advanced applications such as soft and wearable actuators, sensors, bio‐implantable devices, and surgical tools because of their ability to conform to curvilinear surfaces, including human skin. The efficacy of these devices depends on the development of stretchable geometries such as interconnection‐based configurations and the associated mechanics that helps to achieve optimum configurations. This work presents the essential mechanics of silicon (Si) island‐interconnection structures, which include horseshoe and spiral interconnections, without reducing the areal efficiency. In particular, this study demonstrates the range of the geometrical parameters where they have a high stretchability and cyclic life. The numerical results predict the areas that are prone to breaking followed by experimental validation. The figure‐of‐merit for these configurations is achieved by mapping the fracture‐free zones for in‐plane and out‐of‐plane stretching with essential implications in stretchable and wearable system design. Furthermore, this work demonstrates the mechanical response for a range of materials (i.e., copper, gold, aluminum, silver, and graphene) that experience the plastic deformations in contrast to conventionally used Si‐based devices that represent the extended usage for advanced stretchable electronic devices. The detailed mechanics of these configurations provides comprehensive guidelines to manufacture wearable and stretchable electronic devices.
Acoustically Mediated Controlled Drug Release and Targeted Therapy with Degradable 3D Porous Magnetic Microrobots
Authors: Park Jongeon , Kim Jin‐young , Pané Salvador , Nelson Bradley J. , Choi Hongsoo
Published: October 2020

Microrobots for targeted drug delivery are of great interest due to their minimal invasiveness and wireless controllability. Here, a magnetically driven porous degradable microrobot (PDM) is reported that consists of a 3D printed helical soft polymeric chassis made of a poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and pentaerythritol triacrylate matrix containing magnetite nanoparticles and the anticancer drug 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). The encapsulated Fe3O4 nanoparticles render the PDM a precise wireless magnetic actuation by means of rotating magnetic fields (RMFs). The increased surface area of the porous PDM facilitates the acoustically induced drug release due to a higher response to the acoustic energy. The drug release profile from the PDM can be selected on command from three different modes, referred to herein as natural, burst, and constant, by differentiating the ultrasound exposure condition. Finally, in vitro test results reveal different therapeutic results for each release mode. The observed great reduction of cancer cell viability in the burst‐ and constant‐release modes confirms that ultrasound with the proposed PDM can enhance the therapeutic effect by increasing drug concentration and sonoporation.
Tunable Ultra‐High Q‐Factor and Figure of Merit based on Fano Resonance in Graphene–Dielectric Multilayer Corrugated Structure
Authors: Jiang Xiangqian , Liu Weiwei , Zhang Bing , Sun Xiudong
Published: October 2020

High‐performance sensors have been a focus of the nanophotonics in recent years owing to their great potential for use in medical diagnosis and environmental remediation. Particularly, the sensing properties based on graphene have attracted intensive interest. Yet, low quality‐factor (Q‐factor) and figure of merit (FOM) have limited significant device performance. Here, a graphene–dielectric–graphene corrugated structure is proposed, the simulations show that by introducing the graphene the Q‐factor becomes tunable and can be significantly improved. The transmission and reflection spectra exhibit asymmetric Fano resonance with ultra‐narrow width that depends on the Fermi energy and modulation amplitude. Based on the high Q‐factor of the structure, the sensing properties of the structure are exploited when introducing sensing medium. For the shallow grating modulation, ultra‐high FOM is obtained. The proposed structure based on graphene has a promising potential for designing and fabricating novel refractive index sensors.
The Interplay of Stability between Donor and Acceptor Materials in a Fullerene‐Free Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cell Blend
Authors: Sudakov Ivan , Van Landeghem Melissa , Lenaerts Ruben , Maes Wouter , Van Doorslaer Sabine , Goovaerts Etienne
Published: October 2020

With rapid advances in material synthesis and device performance, the long‐term stability of organic solar cells has become the main remaining challenge toward commercialization. An investigation of photodegradation in blend films of the donor polymer poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and the rhodanine‐flanked small molecule acceptor 5,5′‐[(9,9‐dioctyl‐9H‐fluorene‐2,7‐diyl)bis(2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole‐7,4‐diylmethylidyne)]bis[3‐ethyl‐2‐thioxo‐4‐thiazolidinone] (FBR) is presented in an ambient atmosphere. The photobleaching kinetics of the pure materials and their blends is correlated with the generation of radicals and triplet excitons using optical and magnetic resonance techniques. In addition, spin‐trapping methods are employed to identify reactive oxygen species (ROS). In films of P3HT, FBR, and the P3HT:FBR blend, superoxide is generated by electron transfer to molecular oxygen. However, it is found that the generation of singlet oxygen by energy transfer from the FBR triplet state is responsible for the poor stability of FBR and for the accelerated photodegradation at later times of the P3HT:FBR blend. In the early stage of degradation of the neat blend, it is protected from singlet oxygen by the fast donor–acceptor charge transfer, which competes with triplet exciton formation. These results provide initial input for a rational design of donor and acceptor materials through tuning the molecular singlet and triplet energy levels to prevent ROS‐related photodegradation.
How Has the COVID‐19 Pandemic Affected Outdoor Recreation in the U.S.? A Revealed Preference Approach
Authors: Landry Craig E. , Bergstrom John , Salazar John , Turner Dylan
Published: October 2020

This study examines the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on outdoor recreation trips and values using revealed preference data in the context of travel cost method. Demand models are estimated using data on pre‐ and postpandemic trips reported in a nationwide survey of recreation participants. The models incorporate related subjective risk perceptions as postpandemic measures of site quality and account for household‐level factors, pre‐existing conditions, and risk tolerance. Our results suggest that the pandemic had negative effects on recreation visits and values, with risk‐tolerant households and households with pre‐existing conditions taking more trips.
Organogelation Capacity of Epicuticular and Cuticular Waxes from Flax and Wheat Straws
Authors: Canizares Diego , Angers Paul , Ratti Cristina
Published: October 2020

Valorization of the agri‐food industry by‐products could contribute to curb issues related to food security and environmental problems. Flax and wheat seeds are major products of this industry, but their production is associated with tons of straws that can be valorized for their cuticular and epicuticular waxes. We aimed to determine the organogelation capacity of epicuticular waxes in comparison to cuticular waxes from both flax and wheat straws. Epicuticular waxes from flax and wheat straws have structured canola oil at 2% and 4% (w/w), respectively, whereas cuticular waxes from flax and wheat straws required critical concentrations of 4% and 5% (w/w), respectively. Characterization of the organogelation capacity (onset of crystallization temperature, temperature of phase transition, crystal morphology, solid fat, crystalline structure, and oil binding capacity) was also carried out. The high onset of crystallization temperature (38.1 ± 1.2°C), the phase transition at high temperature (38 ± 1.5°C), and capacity to structure canola oil at low concentration showed that epicuticular wax from flax straw is a promisor fat substitute, presenting organogelation properties comparable to the best results obtained in the literature for other vegetal waxes.
Body‐temperature shape‐shifting liquid crystal elastomers
Authors: Shaha Rajib K. , Torbati Amir H. , Frick Carl P.
Published: October 2020

Nematic monodomain liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) undergo efficient temperature‐induced reversible shape‐shifting around the nematic‐isotropic transition temperature (Tni) due to the presence of the liquid‐crystalline order of mesogens. Usually, the Tni of nematic LCEs is much higher than the human body temperature, and therefore LCEs are not often considered for biomedical applications. This study describes an LCE system where the Tni is tuned by substitution of the rigid mesogens RM257 with a flexible backbone PEGDA250. By systematically substituting the RM257 with PEGDA250, the Tni of LCEs was observed to decrease from 66°C to 23°C. A rate‐optimized LCE material was fabricated with 10 mol % rigid mesogens substituted with a flexible backbone that demonstrated Tni at 32°C, in‐between the room temperature of 20°C and the body temperature of 37°C. The Tni allowed the programmed shape at room temperature, quick shape‐shifting upon exposure to body temperature, and before‐programmed shape when kept at body temperature. This LCE material displayed reversible length change of 23%, opacity change, and shape change between room temperature and body temperature.
Influence of phenyl group number on enantioseparation performance of chitosan‐based materials
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhang Gui‐Hua , Wang Jing , Qiu Guo‐Song , Bai Zheng‐Wu
Published: October 2020

In order to investigate the influence of phenyl group number on enantioseparation capability of a chitosan‐based chiral selector (CS), in this study, two series of chitosan derivative and their enantioseparation were presented. According to the functional group at 2‐position of glucosamine, the derivatives were classified as amido‐type and ureido‐type. In the amido‐type CSs, the CS with two phenyl groups showed the best enantioseparation capability; the CS with one phenyl group exhibited the poorest enantioseparation; and the enantioseparation performance of the CS with three phenyl groups intermediated between those of the CSs with one and two phenyl groups. In the ureido‐type, the CS bearing three phenyl groups was in the middle of two CSs with two phenyl groups in enantioseparation capability. Based on the results obtained in the present study, one phenyl group in a chitosan derivative is not enough for enantioseparation, and two or three phenyl groups are necessary. On the other hand, introducing three phenyl groups onto one glucosamine unit of chitosan, can not definitely result in a better enantioseparation capability, comparing with introducing two phenyl groups.
Adaptive Se‐Te Metathesis Controlled by Cucurbituril‐Based Host‐Guest Interaction
Authors: Liu Cheng , Zhang Zhiheng , Fan Zhiyuan , He Chaowei , Tan Yizheng , Xu Huaping
Published: October 2020

Regulating the reactivity and equilibrium of a dynamic reaction is essential for adaptive chemistry and functional materials. Herein, cucurbituril‐based host‐guest interaction was embedded into the dynamic metathesis between diselenide and ditelluride to establish an equilibrium‐adaptive system. In this system, cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]) selectively bound with diselenide while cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) bound with not only diselenide but also ditelluride and exchange product. The dynamic nature of diselenide bond was locked after forming the inclusion complex with CB[6]. Based on this selective locking effect, the Se−Te products were reversed back to diselenide and ditelluride reactants, which was an equilibrium regulating process. Therefore, by combining CB[6]‐based host‐guest interaction and dynamic diselenide chemistry, the reactivity of diselenide bond and the equilibrium of Se−Te metathesis was successfully regulated.
Bilateral anterior shoulder dislocations: A review of two cases and the relevant literature
Authors: Diallo Malick , Soulama Massadiami , Kaboré Delwendé Serge Romaric , Dakouré Patrick W. H. , Liverneaux Philippe
Published: October 2020

The bilateral symmetric anterior shoulder dislocations (BSASD) must be suspected in patients with bilaterally flattened shoulders after an uncontrolled muscular contraction like seizure condition. BSASD is best managed acutely and challenging to manage when diagnosed late. Chronic BSASD, after two years in a young patient, can result in fair functions.
C9ORF72 hexanucleotide repeat expansion with Alzheimer's disease‐like clinical phenotype: A case report with results from neuropsychology, CSF, FDG‐PET, and PiB‐PET
Authors: Filikci Zuhal , Gustafsson Moa Anna Kristina , Henriksen Otto Mølby , Marner Lisbeth , Høgh Peter
Published: October 2020

A thorough family history and relevant investigation program are essential to settle accurate diagnosis when clinical presentation is atypical or with a mixed picture.
Recurrent ameloblastoma with both hypercalcemia and BRAF mutation: A case report
Authors: Suzuki Hidenori , Sasaki Eiichi , Nakamura Ryota , Sawabe Michi , Hagiwara Sumitaka , Hyodo Ikuo , Hanai Nobuhiro
Published: October 2020

This case report describes a mandibular ameloblastoma with both BRAF V600E mutation and rare hypercalcemia. The patient without distant metastasis underwent subtotal mandibulectomy using double flaps of fibula and anterolateral thigh. A whole body computed tomography scan taken 69 months after surgery revealed neither recurrence nor metastasis.
Multivariate mortality analyses in COVID‐19: Comparing patients with cancer and patients without cancer in Louisiana
Authors: Lunski Michael J. , Burton Jeffrey , Tawagi Karine , Maslov Diana , Simenson Victoria , Barr Daniel , Yuan Helen , Johnson Daniel , Matrana Marc , Cole John , Larned Zoe , Moore Brian
Published: October 2020

Background

This is the largest and only multivariate study evaluating the difference in mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) between patients with cancer and patients without cancer in the United States. The objective was to assess COVID‐19 mortality rates in patients with cancer versus patients without cancer and uncover possible statistically significant characteristics contributing to mortality.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed patients with cancer and patients without cancer who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) from March 1 through April 30, 2020. This was a multicenter study in the state of Louisiana throughout the Ochsner Health System in both tertiary and nontertiary centers. Patients older than 18 years were eligible. Three hundred twelve patients with cancer were compared with 4833 patients without cancer.

Results

Mortality was found to be higher in the cancer group. Patients of advanced age with cancer had a significant increase in mortality (odds ratio [OR], 5.96; P < .001). Other significant risk factors for increased mortality were male sex (OR, 2.15), a history of chronic kidney disease (OR, 3.84), and obesity (OR, 1.30). In hospitalized patients with cancer, adverse vital signs on admission, decreased absolute lymphocyte counts, thrombocytopenia, elevated creatinine, lactic acidosis, and elevated procalcitonin all seemed to increase the risk of death. Among patients with cancer, active or progressive disease (P < .001) and recent therapy (OR, 2.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.08‐5.08) were shown to increase mortality.

Conclusions

Patients with cancer have increased mortality in the setting of infection with SARS‐CoV‐2 in comparison with patients without cancer. Patients with cancer who are 65 years of age or older and those with certain comorbidities have the greatest risk of death. Recent cancer‐directed therapy and disease status also seem to play roles in mortality.

Lay Summary

This is the largest study of patients with cancer versus patients without cancer to date and is the first multivariate analysis study comparing these 2 patient populations.

This study confirms the hypothesis that patients with cancer are at increased risk for mortality and that there are multiple characteristics posing the potential to risk‐stratify these patients in the setting of a future outbreak.
Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) based electrochemical sensors for the determination of catecholamine neurotransmitters – Review
Authors: Elugoke Saheed E. , Adekunle Abolanle S. , Fayemi Omolola E. , Akpan Ekemini D. , Mamba Bhekie B. , Sherif El‐Sayed M. , Ebenso Eno E.
Published: October 2020

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been widely used for the modification of electrodes because of their native specificity for the intrinsic template molecules. The importance of catecholamines in the neurological and general well‐being of every individual cannot be overemphasized. Disorders associated with the imbalance in catecholamine levels can be diagnosed with electrochemical sensors capable of their determination in the presence of other biological interferents in extracellular fluids. MIPs based sensors have been designed for selective and simultaneous determination of these catecholamines in the past decade. Efforts in this regard and details on the components and preparation of these MIPs were presented in this review.
Deep neuro‐fuzzy approach for risk and severity prediction using recommendation systems in connected health care
Authors: Sharma Deepika , Singh Aujla Gagangeet , Bajaj Rohit
Published: October 2020

Internet of Things (IoT) and Data science have revolutionized the entire technological landscape across the globe. Because of it, the health care ecosystems are adopting the cutting‐edge technologies to provide assistive and personalized care to the patients. But, this vision is incomplete without the adoption of data‐focused mechanisms (like machine learning, big data analytics) that can act as enablers to provide early detection and treatment of patients even without admission in the hospitals. Recently, there has been an increasing trend of providing assistive recommendation and timely alerts regarding the severity of the disease to the patients. Even, remote monitoring of the present day health situation of the patient is possible these days though the analysis of the data generated using IoT devices by doctors. Motivated from these facts, we design a health care recommendation system that provides a multilevel decision‐making related to the risk and severity of the patient diseases. The proposed systems use an all‐disease classification mechanism based on convolutional neural networks to segregate different diseases on the basis of the vital parameters of a patient. After classification, a fuzzy inference system is used to compute the risk levels for the patients. In the last step, based on the information provided by the risk analysis, the patients are provided with the potential recommendation about the severity staging of the associated diseases for timely and suitable treatment. The proposed work has been evaluated using different datasets related to the diseases and the outcomes seem to be promising.
Unconditionally energy stable, splitting schemes for magnetohydrodynamic equations
Authors: Wang Kun , Zhang Guo‐Dong
Published: October 2020

In this article, we propose first‐order and second‐order linear, unconditionally energy stable, splitting schemes for solving the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) system. These schemes are based on the projection method for Navier–Stokes equations and implicit–explicit treatments for nonlinear coupling terms. We transform a double saddle points problem into a set of elliptic type problems to solve the MHD system. Our schemes are efficient, easy to implement, and stable. We further prove that time semidiscrete schemes and fully discrete schemes are unconditionally energy stable. Various numerical experiments, including Hartmann flow and lid‐driven cavity problems, are implemented to demonstrate the stability and the accuracy of our schemes.