bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achieving Inclusive Growth in Nigeria through Exports: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Elvis Ozegbe, Azuka , Fatai Ogunlana, Olarewaju , Emife Nwani, Stanley , Nwabuisi Onochie, Stanley
Published: March 2019

The study investigated the effectiveness of export in the attainment of inclusive growth in Nigeria. The study functionally expressed inclusive growth as a function of oil export, non oil export, investment and foreign direct investment. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, a number of literature were reviewed, however, there were empirical regularities in the literature embracing inclusive growth as critical determinant of sustainable growth. Within the context of secondary data which spanned the period 1970-2016, the study utilized econometric technique to analyze inclusive growth model. In the model, real per capita income (proxy inclusive growth) is expressed as a function of oil exports, non oil export, investment and foreign direct investment. In particular, a number of diagnostic tests were carried out on the data before estimation in order to prevent spurious results. These include the unit root test, co-integration test and vector error correction tests. The stationarity test indicated that the data were stationary at first difference, while the co-integration test suggested long run co movement among the variables. In addition, the vector error correction model indicated the relationships among the inclusive growth fundamentals. Findings from the results indicated that in the long run, the coefficients of oil and non oil exports have negative effect on inclusive growth (proxied by real GDP per capita) while investment and foreign direct investment impacted positively on inclusive growth, while in the short run, oil exports and non oil export positively and significantly influenced inclusive growth in Nigeria. This study further suggested that government should intensify policy towards stimulating oil export and promote foreign investment inflows. More so, policy thrust should also embrace diversification of the economic base from monolithic base structure to agriculture.
The Implications of Emotional Intelligence on Entrepreneurial Performance: A Discuss
Authors: Oriarewo G. O. , Ofobruku S. A. , Tor Z. A.
Published: March 2019

This study contends that emotional intelligence has repercussions on entrepreneurial performance. This investigation interrogates and affirms the link ascribing emotional intelligence to entrepreneurial performance. This investigation adopted the qualitative research method, with the use of secondary data sourced from extended and informed literature from the 1990s still date. The study applied the general theory of entrepreneurship and emotional intelligence theory as the context for textual investigation of disputes/foci that illuminated the discussion, conclusion and recommendations. Findings reveal that defective emotional intelligence has the consequence of a poor combination of competencies; the skills that bequeath on person/s the requisite ability to succeed in managing their own emotions and properly measure the emotional conditions of others and influence views towards the achievement of the organisational objectives. This is critical for better entrepreneurial performance and if not achieved inhibited entrepreneurial businesses. The recommended suggestions in this study are capable of addressing the gaps and problems identified.
Awareness Level of Workers to Labour Laws in Sri Lanka
Authors: Rajapakshe Wasantha
Published: March 2019

This study focuses on assessing the apparel sector employees’ level of awareness on labour laws who are working in the Free Trade Zones in Sri Lanka. The research was based on seven Labour Acts in Sri Lanka; Employees Provident Fund Act No.15 of 1958, Employees Trust Fund Act No.46 of 1980, Payment of Gratuity Act No. 12 of 1983, Industrial Dispute Act No.27 of 1966, Maternity Benefits Ordinance No.32 of 1939, Factories Ordinance No.45 of 1942, and Wages Board Ordinance No.27 of 1941. Data collection done through a worker questionnaire and out of 200 sample 158 were respondent. The garment factories were selected by the convenient sampling method and respondents were selected through simple random sampling method. Data analysis done through descriptive statistics and one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results show that gender and level of experience has not make a significance different among particular group of employees.  However, education and age has a significant impact on the awareness of employees on labour laws. Moreover, the Factories Ordinance showed the rate of the most wakefulness while the Maternity Benefits Ordinance showed the least awareness.
Implementation of a QTc-interval monitoring protocol by pharmacists to decrease cardiac risk in at-risk patients in an acute care inpatient psychiatric facility
Authors: Daniel Nicole M. , Walsh Kim , Leach Henry , Stummer Lauren
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Many medications commonly prescribed in psychiatric hospitals can cause QTc-interval prolongation, increasing a patient's risk for torsades de pointes and sudden cardiac death. There is little guidance in the literature to determine when an electrocardiogram (ECG) and QTc-interval monitoring should be performed. The primary end point was improvement of the appropriateness of ECGs and QTc-interval monitoring of at-risk psychiatric inpatients at Barnabas Health Behavioral Health Center (BHBH) and Monmouth Medical Center (MMC) following implementation of a standardized monitoring protocol. The secondary end point was the number of pharmacist-specific interventions at site BHBH only.

Methods

Patients who met the inclusion criteria were assessed using a standardized QTc-prolongation assessment algorithm for ECG appropriateness. A retrospective analysis of a control group (no protocol) from January 1, 2016, to July 17, 2017, was compared with a prospective analysis of the intervention group (with protocol) from December 11, 2017, to March 11, 2018.

Results

At BHBH, appropriate ECG utilization increased 25.5% after implementation of a standardized protocol (P = .0172) and appropriate omission of ECG utilization improved by 26% (P < .00001). At MMC, appropriate ECGs decreased by 5%, and appropriate ECG omissions increased by 28%, neither of which were statistically significant (P = 1.0 and P = .3142, respectively). There was an increase in overall pharmacist monitoring.

Discussion

The study demonstrated that pharmacist involvement in ECG and QTc-interval monitoring utilizing a uniform protocol may improve the appropriateness of ECG and QTc-interval monitoring in patients in an acute care inpatient psychiatric hospital.
Review of the many faces of synthetic cannabinoid toxicities
Authors: Alipour Azita , Patel Puja Baldev , Shabbir Zaheera , Gabrielson Stephen
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are psychoactive substances that are gaining popularity for their availability and lack of detection by standardized drug tests. Although some users may perceive SCs as safer alternatives to marijuana, some SCs are more potent and result in more severe toxicities.

Methods

A search of the literature was conducted in the PubMed and SciFinder databases. Results in PubMed were limited to human studies, and only articles in English were included.

Results

Review of the literature illustrates the hazards associated with SC use. A range of severe toxicities affecting numerous systems has been identified, such as arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, psychosis, suicidal ideation, seizures, acute tubular necrosis, and intracranial hemorrhage. Additionally, a recent outbreak of coagulopathies and at least 4 associated deaths due to SCs tainted with brodifacoum have been reported.

Discussion

Synthetic cannabinoids may be perceived as a safer alternative to marijuana; however, SCs can be more potent at the cannabinoid receptors and in turn have greater toxicities. Limited information is available on the metabolism of SCs; however, cytochrome P450 pathways may be involved, which could result in drug interactions and unpredicted adverse effects. Toxicity with SC use is not just related to its effects, but also to additives that may taint these products and enhance their effects. Health care providers should be aware of the range of toxicities related to SC use, and tainted products such as these agents are not detected on routine drug screens.
Robust adaptive active fault‐tolerant control of UAH with unknown disturbances and actuator faults
Authors: Yan Kun , Chen Mou , Jiang Bin , Wu Qingxian
Published: March 2019

This paper proposes a robust active fault‐tolerant control (AFTC) approach for medium‐scale unmanned autonomous helicopter (UAH) with rotor flapping dynamics in the presence of unknown external disturbances and actuator faults. The robust items are adopted to improve the disturbance rejection capability of the UAH system. The adaptive fault observers are developed to estimate the fault parameters and the fault detection (FD) algorithms are presented to detect the actuator faults in different loops. In order to obtain satisfactory trajectory tracking performance, a backstepping‐based robust AFTC scheme is designed for the simplified 6‐degree‐of‐freedom (DOF) UAH nonlinear dynamics model and the global stability of the closed‐loop system is proved by using the Lyapunov method. Several groups of numerical simulation results are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the developed method.
Adaptive Superamphiphilic Organohydrogels with Reconfigurable Surface Topography for Programming Unidirectional Liquid Transport
Authors: Zhao Ziguang , Li Chuxin , Dong Zhichao , Yang Yingchao , Zhang Longhao , Zhuo Shuyun , Zhou Xintao , Xu Yichao , Jiang Lei , Liu Mingjie
Published: March 2019

Adaptive materials with reconfigurable surface topography in response to external environments have attracted considerable attention in various fields. Here, adaptive superamphiphilic organohydrogels with reconfigurable surface topography are reported, featuring a high degree of freedom. The organohydrogels can simultaneously adapt to different surrounding mediums and reversibly switch between hydrogel‐ and organogel‐dominated surface reconfigurations to realize adaptive superhydrophilic and superoleophilic transitions. Meanwhile, these adaptive organohydrogels possess a heteronetwork complementary effect to elicit surface self‐healing capacity. Importantly, owing to these organohydrogels' reversible wettability transition, excellent surface morphing performance and bioinspired strategy, various geometrically complex biomimetic topographies can be programmed, offering unique unidirectional transport for opposite‐featured liquids in multimedia environments. Smart organohydrogel‐based microfluidic devices are also developed for on‐demand remote programming of liquid transport. Therefore, the organohydrogels suggest a reconfigurable surface topography design strategy, and would act as adaptive programmable materials for smart surface applications.
Correlations between Performance of Organic Solar Cells and Film‐Depth‐Dependent Optical and Electronic Variations
Authors: Wang Zihao , Hu Yupeng , Xiao Tong , Zhu Yuanwei , Chen Xin , Bu Laju , Zhang Yajie , Wei Zhixiang , Xu Ben Bin , Lu Guanghao
Published: March 2019

In donor:acceptor bulk heterojunction organic solar cells, the chemical miscibility between different components and phase evolution dynamics within thin films often induce phase segregation and molecular aggregation/orientation, both of which are film‐depth‐dependent. This leads to strong variations of molecular energy levels, photon absorption, exciton generation, charge transfer, and transport along film‐depth direction. However, currently there is a lack of comprehensive investigation of film‐depth‐dependent optical and electronic variations on the photovoltaic performance. In this work, using the recently developed film‐depth‐dependent light absorption spectroscopy which simultaneously reveals vertical optical and electronic variations, the performance of organic solar cells is correlated with film‐depth‐dependent profiles of photon absorption and charge transport energy levels, which is subsequently compared with experimentally observed open‐circuit voltage, short‐circuit current, and efficiency. Because both light interference and vertical material variations contribute to film‐depth‐dependent exciton generation profiles, the local gradient of transport energy levels which provides extra built‐in electric force could accelerate the dissociation of excitons and transport of free charges to avoid recombination, leading to high photovoltaic performance. A new method is therefore proposed to improve the photovoltaic performance by simultaneously tuning the film‐depth‐dependent optical and electronic distributions.
Eco‐Friendly Colloidal Quantum Dot‐Based Luminescent Solar Concentrators
Authors: You Yimin , Tong Xin , Wang Wenhao , Sun Jiachen , Yu Peng , Ji Haining , Niu Xiaobin , Wang Zhiming M.
Published: March 2019

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) have attracted significant attention as promising solar energy conversion devices for building integrated photovoltaic (PV) systems due to their simple architecture and cost‐effective fabrication. Conventional LSCs are generally comprised of an optical waveguide slab with embedded emissive species and coupled PV cells. Colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) have been demonstrated as efficient emissive species for high‐performance LSCs because of their outstanding optical properties including tunable absorption and emission spectra covering the ultraviolet/visible to near‐infrared region, high photoluminescence quantum yield, large absorption cross sections, and considerable photostability. However, current commonly used QDs for high‐performance LSCs consist of highly toxic heavy metals (i.e., cadmium and lead), which are fatal to human health and the environment. In this regard, it is highly desired that heavy metal‐free and environmentally friendly QD‐based LSCs are comprehensively studied. Here, notable advances and developments of LSCs based on unary, binary, and ternary eco‐friendly QDs are presented. The synthetic approaches, optical properties of these eco‐friendly QDs, and consequent device performance of QD‐based LSCs are discussed in detail. A brief outlook pointing out the existing challenges and prospective developments of eco‐friendly QD‐based LSCs is provided, offering guidelines for future device optimizations and commercialization.
Cardiac valvular Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome is a well‐defined condition due to recessive null variants in COL1A2
Authors: Guarnieri Vito , Morlino Silvia , Di Stolfo Giuseppe , Mastroianno Sandra , Mazza Tommaso , Castori Marco
Published: March 2019

Cardiac valvular Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a rare EDS subtype, caused by specific recessive variants in the gene encoding pro‐α2‐chain of type I collagen (COL1A2). Cardiac valvular EDS is mainly characterized by generalized/peripheral joint hypermobility, moderate–severe cardiac valvular disease, skin hyperextensibility and other minor soft tissues features. Only five molecularly confirmed patients have been reported to date. Here, we describe two additional affected sisters, who share the homozygous c.3601G>T nonsense variant in COL1A2. Clinical data and literature review allowed to better define the clinical spectrum of cardiac valvular EDS which now emerges as a more recognizable EDS variant with progressive heart valve disease firstly affecting the mitral valve. Possibly distinguishing features include bilateral flatfeet with hindfoot pronation, lower eyelid ptosis and hypoplasia of the interphalangeal creases. The absence of bone fragility in our patients indicates that cardiac valvular EDS is also separated from patients with autosomal recessive osteogenesis imperfecta and variants in COL1A2, as well as from individuals with autosomal dominant osteogenesis imperfecta and severe cardiac valvular disease.
A reusable polymer‐supported copper(I) catalyst for triazole click reaction on water: An experimental and computational study
Authors: Bahsis Lahoucine , Ben El Ayouchia Hicham , Anane Hafid , Pascual‐Álvarez Alejandro , De Munno Giovanni , Julve Miguel , Stiriba Salah‐Eddine
Published: March 2019

In the search for establishing a clickable copper‐catalysed (3 + 2) Huisgen azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction under strict conditions, in particular in terms of preventing the presence of copper particles/traces in reaction products and using an environmentally benign medium such as water, we describe here the synthesis of an aminomethyl polystyrene‐supported copper(I) catalyst (Cu(I)‐AMPS) and its characterization by means of Fourier transform infrared and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopies and scanning electron microscopy. Cu(I)‐AMPS was found to be highly active in the CuAAC reaction of various organic azides with alkynes affording the corresponding 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles in a regioselective manner in air at room temperature and using water as solvent. The insolubility and/or partial solubility of the organic azide and alkyne precursors as well as the heterogeneous Cu(I)‐AMPS catalytic system points to the occurrence of the cycloaddition at the organic–water interface ‘on water’ affording quantitative yields of water‐insoluble 1,2,3‐triazoles. A mechanistic study was performed using density functional theory aiming at explaining the observed reactivity and selectivity of the Cu (I)‐AMPS catalyst in CuAAC reactions.
A DFT‐Assisted Topological Analysis of Four Polymorphic, S‐Shaped Aβ42 Fibril Structures
Authors: Foley Alejandro R. , Raskatov Jevgenij A.
Published: March 2019

Amyloid β 42 (Aβ42) is an inherently disordered peptide, whose toxic actions are believed to play important roles in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease. Four fibril structures of the peptide that display broadly similar characteristics were recently published, but a systematic comparison of these structures is lacking. In this paper, a topological framework was created to enable such understanding and produced new insights into subtle structural elements that underlie the overall structural diversity. A DFT‐based analysis illuminated some of the energetic differences that arise as a consequence.
Ethics of Employment: The New Adjunct Majority
Authors: Wagoner Richard L.
Published: March 2019

In order to make organizational ethical decisions regarding part‐time faculty, leaders should seek to understand the differing needs of part‐time faculty and apply that knowledge to creating differentiated policies that can better stand up to the criteria of the ethical decision‐making.
Synthesis and Characterization of Vanillin‐Templated Fe2O3 Nanoparticles as a Sustainable Anode Material for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Carbonari Gilberto , Maroni Fabio , Gabrielli Serena , Staffolani Antunes , Tossici Roberto , Palmieri Alessandro , Nobili Francesco
Published: March 2019

Conversion‐enabled transition metal oxides are mostly characterized by environmental benignity, low cost, and high theoretical capacities, which make them suitable as candidate anode materials for Li‐ion batteries. To ensure high efficiency and stability, the use of novel and tailored morphologies is recommended. Among the other methods, the use of natural extracts as templates is one of the possible strategies to accomplish this task. In this work, Fe2O3 nanoparticles are synthesized by using vanillin as a soft templating agent, and fully characterized on a morphological, structural and electrochemical level. Poly(acrylic acid) binder and ethanol for electrode preparation ensure a fully environmentally benign process from synthesis to electrode testing. The cells deliver capacity values up to 700 mAh g−1 under prolonged galvanostatic cycling at 500 mA g−1, as well as excellent rate capability and high efficiency.
Low‐Barrier Hydrogen Bonds in Negative Thermal Expansion Material H3[Co(CN)6]
Authors: Tolborg Kasper , Jørgensen Mads R. V. , Sist Mattia , Mamakhel Aref , Overgaard Jacob , Iversen Bo B.
Published: March 2019

The covalent nature of the low‐barrier N−H−N hydrogen bonds in the negative thermal expansion material H3[Co(CN)6] has been established by using a combination of X‐ray and neutron diffraction electron density analysis and theoretical calculations. This finding explains why negative thermal expansion can occur in a material not commonly considered to be built from rigid linkers. The pertinent hydrogen atom is located symmetrically between two nitrogen atoms in a double‐well potential with hydrogen above the barrier for proton transfer, thus forming a low‐barrier hydrogen bond. Hydrogen is covalently bonded to the two nitrogen atoms, which is the first experimentally confirmed covalent hydrogen bond in a network structure. Source function calculations established that the present N−H−N hydrogen bond follows the trends observed for negatively charge‐assisted hydrogen bonds and low‐barrier hydrogen bonds previously established for O−H−O hydrogen bonds. The bonding between the cobalt and cyanide ligands was found to be a typical donor–acceptor bond involving a high‐field ligand and a transition metal in a low‐spin configuration.
Optoelectronic, Aggregation, and Redox Properties of Double‐Rotor Boron Difluoride Hydrazone Dyes
Authors: Cappello Daniela , Therien Denis A. B. , Staroverov Viktor N. , Lagugné‐Labarthet François , Gilroy Joe B.
Published: March 2019

We develop the chemistry of boron difluoride hydrazone dyes (BODIHYs) bearing two aryl substituents and explore their properties. The low‐energy absorption bands (λmax=427–464 nm) of these dyes depend on the nature of the N‐aryl groups appended to the BODIHY framework. Electron‐donating and extended π‐conjugated groups cause a redshift, whereas electron‐withdrawing groups result in a blueshift. The title compounds were weakly photoluminescent in solution and strongly photoluminescent as thin films (λPL=525–578 nm) with quantum yields of up to 18 % and lifetimes of 1.1–1.7 ns, consistent with the dominant radiative decay through fluorescence. Addition of water to THF solutions of the BODIHYs studied causes molecular aggregation which restricts intramolecular motion and thereby enhances photoluminescence. The observed photoluminescence of BODIHY thin films is likely facilitated by a similar molecular packing effect. Finally, cyclic voltammetry studies confirmed that BODIHY derivatives bearing para‐substituted N‐aryl groups could be reversibly oxidized (Eox1=0.62–1.02 V vs. Fc/Fc+) to their radical cation forms. Chemical oxidation studies confirmed that para‐substituents at the N‐aryl groups are required to circumvent radical decomposition pathways. Our findings provide new opportunities and guiding principles for the design of sought‐after multifunctional boron difluoride complexes that are photoluminescent in the solid state.
Tuning the Product Spectrum of a Glycoside Hydrolase Enzyme by a Combination of Site‐Directed Mutagenesis and Tyrosine‐Specific Chemical Modification
Authors: Ertl Julia , Ortiz‐Soto Maria Elena , Le Thien Anh , Bechold Julian , Shan Junwen , Teßmar Jörg , Engels Bernd , Seibel Jürgen
Published: March 2019

Selective chemical modification of proteins plays a pivotal role for the rational design of enzymes with novel and specific functionalities. In this study, a strategic combination of genetic and chemical engineering paves the way for systematic construction of biocatalysts by tuning the product spectrum of a levansucrase from Bacillus megaterium (Bm‐LS), which typically produces small levan‐like oligosaccharides. The implementation of site‐directed mutagenesis followed by a tyrosine‐specific modification enabled control of the product synthesis: depending on the position, the modification provoked either enrichment of short oligosaccharides (up to 800 % in some cases) or triggered the formation of high molecular weight polymer. The chemical modification can recover polymerization ability in variants with defective oligosaccharide binding motifs. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations provided insights into the effect of modifying non‐native tyrosine residues on product specificity.
L'innovation dans les services à forte intensité de connaissances (SFIC)†
Authors: Doloreux David , Frigon Anthony
Published: March 2019

This article examines the determinants of innovation in knowledge intensive business services (KIBS), generally hypothesizing that differences in the effect of the determinants of innovation depend on the type of innovation developed within KIBS. The study results are based on estimates of two econometric models using data from a survey of 392 firms in the province of Ontario, Canada.
Effect of bed geometry on operating pressure drop and minimum fluidizing velocity in a draft tube spout‐fluid bed
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Huang Guoqiang , Su Guoliang , Liu Shuaifeng , Zhou Yeming
Published: March 2019

Operating pressure drop and minimum fluidizing velocity were studied in a flat spout‐fluid bed using sub‐millimetre grade silicon particles. The influence of introducing a nonporous draft tube of different configurations as well as fluidizing gas on the two parameters was investigated. A comparison of fluidizing gas systems indicated that introduced gas restrained gas bypassing to lower the minimum fluidizing velocity; however, the operating pressure drop was higher than systems without the existence of fluidizing gas. Two new correlations that took into account the effects of bed geometry and fluidizing gas on the operating pressure drop and minimum fluidizing velocity were developed based on the experimental data, which were in agreement with the present experiments.
Highly Regioselective Sequential 1,1‐Dihydrosilylation of Terminal Aliphatic Alkynes with Primary Silanes
Authors: Cheng Zhaoyang , Xing Shipei , Guo Jun , Cheng Biao , Hu Lan‐Fang , Zhang Xing‐Hong , Lu Zhan
Published: March 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

A regioselective double 1,1‐hydrosilylation of terminal aliphatic alkynes with primary silanes catalyzed by one cobalt catalyst has been developed. gem‐Bis(dihydrosilyl)alkanes containing four silicon‐hydrogen bonds are efficiently constructed in an atom‐economical manner. Tolerated substrates include simplest alkyne‐ethyne, a complicated drug derivative and various functionalized terminal aliphatic alkynes. Asymmetric approach using two catalysts is achieved with excellent enantioselectivities to access corresponding chiral products. The transformations of Si—H bonds into Si—C, Si—O, and Si—F bonds and the synthesis of enantioriched α‐hydroxysilane show synthetic utility.
Application of ant colony optimization to color matching of dyed cotton fabrics with direct dyestuffs mixtures
Authors: Chaouch Sabrine , Moussa Ali , Ben Marzoug Imed , Ladhari Neji
Published: March 2019

Color matching and recipe prediction is one of the most important aspects of color science. In this article, a new method using ant colony algorithm is developed to optimize the color formulation step. Four direct dyes, namely CI Direct Red 227, CI Direct Orange 34, CI Direct Blue 85, and CI Direct Black 22 were used and mixed to dye cotton fabrics. The aim is to reproduce the desired shades by determining the dyes and their respective concentrations to add in the dye bath. The criterion of optimization is to minimize the CMC color differences between the target color and the color obtained by the proposed recipes. The developed algorithm showed good performances with small color differences all lower than the unit.
Bit error rate aware accurate prediction of original signals with low distortion using low complexity detection algorithms
Authors: Kasiselvanathan M. , Kumar N. Sathish
Published: March 2019

In the Massive MIMO system, complexity reduction acts as a significant role. This problem is focused in previous method whose foremost objective is to attain the low complexity. The main goal of this algorithm is to process the signal vector with more maximum likelihood cost instead of handling every signals vector, which might lead to more iteration. This is done by introducing different heuristic algorithms which attempts to find the signal vectors with more maximum likelihood values. The algorithms introduced in the existing work are QP detector and the Branch and Bound algorithm. The existing work still poses more complexity by taking more number of iterations for finding the more relative signal vector. These problems are resolved in the proposed system by introducing the novel framework, namely, pruning‐based maximum likelihood detection using low complexity detection algorithms (PRUN‐MLD‐LCDA). In the proposed system, complexity of the system is further reduced by introducing the cross correlation based pruning technique which attempts to find the similar signal, which is similar based on more signal components. The modified branch and bound algorithm is introduced to perform low complexity detection for the different QAM modulation techniques. The overall evaluation of the proposed research work is done in the Matlab simulation environment from which it is proved that the proposed research method leads to provide better result than the existing research methods.
Edge‐enabled IoT gateway criteria selection and evaluation
Authors: Papcun Peter , Kajati Erik , Cupkova Dominika , Mocnej Jozef , Miskuf Martin , Zolotova Iveta
Published: March 2019

In this contribution, we define the concept of transferring intelligence from the cloud to the edge of the network and highlight its importance in modern IoT architectures. It leads to edge‐enabled IoT solutions, where intelligence is distributed to the end devices, ie, edge of the network. The IoT gateway is a middle‐ware between devices and cloud and facilitates computations and communication. We have encountered a research gap and decided to propose our solution on creating an edge‐enabled IoT gateway and evaluating its rating by functionality. In the beginning, we describe the general architecture where we demonstrate the location of the edge‐enabled IoT gateway in edge‐enabled solution. Then, we discuss a selection of major criteria, which could be implemented to any edge‐enabled solution. In the end, we evaluate our proposed edge‐enabled IoT gateway and also compare several scientific works focused on IoT gateway design according to our criteria.
Spectrum management with simultaneous power‐controlled assignment decisions in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Musa Ahmed , Bany Salameh Haythem , Abu Sannad Nusseibeh , Halloush Rami , Darabkh Khalid
Published: March 2019

Spectrum sharing protocols for cognitive radio networks (CRNs) are often designed based on an exclusive channel occupancy policy. This policy does not allow concurrent cognitive radio (CR) transmissions to take place over the same channel. Unfortunately, this can significantly affect spectrum utilization and network performance. Allowing several secondary users to simultaneously share the same channel naturally improves spectrum utilization and avoids unnecessary blocking of CR transmissions. The key challenge in enabling efficient operation of multichannel CRNs is how to perform efficient power‐controlled media‐access‐control (MAC) protocols. These protocols include both power control and channel assignment. In this paper, we propose a power‐controlled MAC protocol for CRNs based on interference‐channel occupancy model with the objective of maximizing the number of served CR transmissions. It uses a novel power‐controlled channel assignment mechanism that allows several concurrent interference‐limited transmissions to simultaneously proceed over each idle channel in the same neighborhood. We present two variants of the power‐controlled channel assignment mechanism. The first proposed variant is suitable for CRNs with fixed data packet size, whereas the other is suitable for dynamic CRNs with variable packet size. The second variant of our protocol employs a users' scheduling procedure that attempts to fully utilize the available time‐frequency blocks. Simulation results indicate that employing transmission power control along with appropriate channel assignment and users' scheduling in CRNs can significantly improve the spectrum utilization and the overall network performance.
Incubation Effect of Pre‐Irradiation on Bubble Formation and Ablation in Laser Ablation in Liquids
Authors: Reich Stefan , Letzel Alexander , Gökce Bilal , Menzel Andreas , Barcikowski Stephan , Plech Anton
Published: March 2019

Pulsed laser ablation in liquids (PLAL) is a multi‐scale process, which is widely studied either in batch ablation with prolonged target irradiation as well as mechanistic investigations, in a defined (single‐shot) process. However, fundamental studies on defined pulse series are rare. We have investigated the effect of a developing rough morphology of the target surface on the PLAL process with nanosecond pulses and, partially, picosecond pulses. At low fluence the cavitation bubble growth as well as the ablation yield depend on the irradiation history of the target. The bubble size increases with repeated irradiation on one spot for the first 2–30 pulses as well as with the applied dose. This is discussed within the framework of incubation effects. Incubation is found to be important, resulting in a bubble volume increase by a factor of six or more between pristine and corrugated targets. The target surface, changing from smooth to corrugated, induces a more efficient localization of laser energy at the solid‐liquid interface. This is accompanied by a suppressed reflectivity and more efficient coupling of energy into the laser‐induced plasma. Thus, the cavitation bubble size increases as well as ablation being enhanced. At high fluence, such incubation is masked by the rapid development of surface damage within the first shots, which eventually would lead to a reduction of bubble sizes.
Rapid PCR Assay for Detecting Common Genetic Variants Arising in Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Cultures
Authors: Laing Owen , Halliwell Jason , Barbaric Ivana
Published: March 2019

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are prone to acquiring genetic changes upon prolonged culture. Particularly common are copy number changes, including gains of chromosomes 1q, 12p, 17q, and 20q, and/or loss of chromosomes 10p and 18q. The variant cells harboring common genetic changes display altered behaviors compared to their diploid counterparts, thus potentially impacting upon the validity of experimental results and safety of hPSC‐derived cellular therapies. Hence, a critical quality attribute in hPSC maintenance should include frequent monitoring for genetic changes arising in cultures. This in turn places large demands on the genotyping assays for detection of genetic changes. Traditional methods for screening cells entail specialized cytogenetic analyses, but their high costs and a lengthy turnaround time make them impractical for high‐throughput analyses and routine laboratory use. Here, we detail a protocol for a rapid, accessible, and affordable PCR‐based method for detection of frequently occurring copy number changes in hPSCs. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Real‐Time Observation of Diarylethene‐Based Photoswitches in a Cyclic Peptide Environment
Authors: Schweigert Caroline , Babii Oleg , Afonin Sergii , Schober Tim , Leier Julia , Michenfelder Nadine C. , Komarov Igor V. , Ulrich Anne S. , Unterreiner Andreas Neil
Published: March 2019

We report the photophysical properties of diarylethene‐based photoswitches (DAE) which were incorporated into the backbones of macrocyclic peptides of variable sizes (6, 10 and 14 amino acids: cDAE‐6, cDAE‐10, and cDAE‐14). The insertion leads to a consistent bathochromic shift in UV/Vis absorption bands, a considerable peptide‐size‐dependent fluorescence intensity increase (up to a factor of 1.7), and a drastically reduced photoisomerization efficiency leading to formation of the ring‐closed DAE fragment. The compounds were studied by time‐resolved photoinduced broadband absorption spectroscopy, revealing a ring closure reaction for the unconstrained DAE reference system and, to a lesser extent, for cyclic cDAE‐14. The smallest cyclic peptide cDAE‐6 does not undergo any photoisomerization process at all. Furthermore, the DAE fragment ring closure reaction in the reference system is concurrent with intersystem crossing that is complete within a few picoseconds. Further analysis showed dominant triplet absorption throughout the observed spectral window (350–700 nm) in all macrocyclic systems. As a consequence, ring closure is favored in the unconstrained system in contrast to the cyclic peptides. Our studies demonstrate the importance of understanding the population dynamics of DAE rotamers when designing efficiently photocontrollable diarylethene‐based peptidomimetics.
Near‐Infrared Photoinduced Copper‐Catalyzed Azide‐Alkyne Click Chemistry with a Cyanine Comprising a Barbiturate Group
Authors: Kütahya Ceren , Yagci Yusuf , Strehmel Bernd
Published: March 2019

A new near‐infrared (NIR) photosensitization system for the activation of a copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition click reaction (CuAAC) is reported. Selected cyanines comprising either a cationic or zwitterionic structural pattern were tested for their photosensitization activity to generate Cu(I) by photoreduction of Cu(II) to trigger CuAAC under NIR light at ambient temperature. The photosensitization system described also facilitates chemical modification of UV‐sensitive materials by CuAAC. Upon exposure to light of wavelength 790 nm under anaerobic conditions, the cyanine with a zwitterionic structure comprising a barbiturate group; that is 5‐(6‐(2‐(3‐ethyl‐1,1‐dimethyl‐1H‐benzo[e]indol‐2(3H)‐ylidene)ethylidene)‐2‐(2‐(3‐ethyl‐1,1‐dimethyl‐1H‐benzo[e]‐indol‐3‐ium‐2‐yl)vinyl)cyclohex‐1‐en‐1‐yl)‐1,3‐dimethyl‐2,6‐dioxo‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyrimidin‐4‐olate in combination with Cu(II)‐N,N,N′,N′′,N′′‐pentamethyldiethylene‐triamine complex, exhibited excellent activity with high yields. The possibility to synthesise different macromolecular structures such as telechelic polymers and block copolymers by NIR‐sensitized CuAAC is demonstrated. The structural and molecular characteristics of the intermediates and final products were evaluated by spectral and chromatographic analyses. This new photochemical reaction opens up new pathways for the macromolecular synthesis of complex macromolecular structures and applications requiring light as an activation tool.
A fine‐scale phylogenetic assessment of digenean trematodes in central Alberta reveals we have yet to uncover their total diversity
Authors: Gordy Michelle A. , Hanington Patrick C.
Published: March 2019

Despite over 100 years of digenean trematode parasite species descriptions, from a wide diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate host species, our ability to recognize the diversity of trematode species within a single lake remains an incredible challenge. The most challenging aspect is the identification of species from larval stages derived from intermediate hosts, due to the disjointed data of adult worm morphological descriptions, from which species are named, and links to corresponding molecular identifiers in depauperate databases. Cryptic species also play a significant role in the challenge of linking trematode larvae to adults, species identifications, and estimating diversity. Herein, we utilize a large, longitudinal dataset of snail first‐intermediate host infection data from lakes in Alberta, Canada, to infer trematode larval diversity using molecular phylogenetics and snail host associations. From our assessments, we uncover a diversity of 79 larval trematode species among just five snail host species. Only 14 species were identified to a previously described species, while the other 65 species are either cryptic or otherwise unrepresented by mitochondrial genes in GenBank. This study currently represents the largest and most diverse singular molecular survey of trematode larval fauna composed of over one thousand mitochondrial sequences. Surprisingly, rarefaction analyses indicate we have yet to capture the complete diversity of trematodes from our sampling area.
Novel bird responses to successive, large‐scale, landscape transformations
Authors: Lindenmayer David B. , Blanchard Wade , Westgate Martin J. , Foster Claire , Banks Sam C. , Barton Philip , Crane Mason , Ikin Karen , Scheele Ben C.
Published: March 2019

Transformation of intact vegetation into new kinds and configurations of human‐modified habitats is a well‐established driver of biodiversity loss. Following initial conversion, many human‐dominated landscapes are then subject to further large‐scale changes in land use. The impacts on biodiversity of repeated changes in land use remain poorly known, particularly how changes in the matrix interact with initial patterns of vegetation clearing. We used an 18‐yr study of birds in remnant patches of endangered temperate woodland in south‐eastern Australia to quantify the spatial and temporal effects of successive land use transformation in the surrounding landscape. We examined bird response to (1) initial patterns of landscape modification (creating semi‐cleared grazing land dominated by pastures that surrounded remnant woodland patches), (2) subsequent establishment and maturation of exotic tree plantations on the pastures surrounding woodland patches, and (3) additive and interactive effects of both types of landscape transformation. The majority of the 57 bird species modeled responded to conversion of grazing land to exotic plantations, either independently from initial patterns of landscape transformation (20 species), or interactively (18 species) or additively (15 species) with initial landscape transformation. The occurrence of only one species (the Common Bronzewing) was related to patterns of initial transformation but not subsequent transformation due to plantation establishment. Thus, despite many characteristics of the woodland patches within the plantation remaining largely unaltered throughout our 18‐yr investigation, the matrix had a profound effect on the kinds of species inhabiting them, with such impacts often magnified over time as the matrix continued to change. Plantation establishment triggered new regional‐level spatial processes with effects on birds detected in woodland patches up to 2 km away from the plantation. Matrix conversion selected for species with different traits (size, diet and movement patterns) compared to the initial transformation, suggesting it is acting as a different filter on the bird community. New kinds of landscape transformation (such as plantation establishment on previously cleared land) can radically affect the species that have persisted for many decades in previously modified landscapes. This highlights the challenges, but also opportunities, for conserving taxa in ever changing human‐dominated environments.
A combination pharmacotherapy of tapentadol and pregabalin to tackle centrally driven osteoarthritis pain
Authors: Lockwood Stevie Margaret , Dickenson Anthony H.
Published: March 2019

Background

Many Osteoarthritis (OA) patients report with clinical features to their pain that cannot be explained by purely peripheral mechanisms. Yet, the analgesic agents available that tackle centrally driven chronic pain often provide only partial pain relief, or have dose‐limiting side effects. We explored a combination therapy of the centrally acting analgesic agents tapentadol and pregabalin, to investigate if they could be used in combination to provide superior analgesia.

Methods

Using electrophysiological single‐unit recordings taken from spinal wide dynamic range neurons, Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Controls (DNIC) were assessed as a marker of potential changes in descending controls in a monoiodoacetate (MIA) model of OA. We investigated if a subcutaneous injection of tapentadol or pregabalin, both alone and in combination, inhibited neuronal responses and restored the expression of DNIC, quantified as a reduction in neuronal firing in the presence of a conditioning noxious stimulus.

Results

Tapentadol restored DNIC‐induced neuronal inhibition in MIA animals, while pregabalin inhibited pre‐conditioned mechanically evoked neuronal responses but did not restore DNIC. Given in combination, tapentadol and pregabalin restored DNIC expression and also inhibited spinal neuronal responses.

Conclusions

We propose that there is both central sensitization and an imbalance in inhibitory and facilitatory descending controls in MIA animals. The combination therapy of tapentadol and pregabalin restored descending noradrenergic inhibitory tone and also inhibited nociceptive transmission at the level of the spinal cord.

Significance

This study shows that pregabalin and tapentadol target different mechanisms of centrally driven chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis, and that when administered together can restore descending inhibitory tone whilst also tackling spinal neuronal hyperexcitability and may therefore provide superior analgesia.
Synthesis of amidoximated polyacrylonitrile fibers and its use as adsorbent for Cr (VI) ions removal from aqueous solutions
Authors: Bouchoum Hayat , Benmoussa Dounia , Jada Amane , Tahiri Mohamed , Cherkaoui Omar
Published: March 2019

Functionalized fibers, especially polyacrylonitrile fibers (PANF), have attracted wide interest as an effective and economical material for environment and water protection. In this study, polyacrylonitrile fibers modified with hydroxylamine hydrochloride were used as an adsorbent to remove hexavalent chromium ions from aqueous solutions. The novelty of the present study compared to the literature is the functionalization of polyacrylonitrile fibers surface by optimizing cost and energy while achieving a yield fast removal rate and high adsorption capacity of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions. The amidoximated polyacrylonitrile fibers were characterized using Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results confirmed the success of polyacrylonitrile fibers modification. The adsorption capacity was evaluated by investigating the effect of initial pH solution ranging from 2.0 to 7.0, the adsorbent dose varied from 0.05 to 0.25 g, the initial Cr (VI) concentration range was (5–70 mg g−1), the temperature varied from 5 to 60°C, and the contact time ranged from 0 to 180 min. We have used the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models to describe the equilibrium sorption data. The maximum adsorption capacity estimated using the Langmuir model reached 32. 57 mg g−1 under optimal conditions. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS) were also determined. In addition, the adsorbent showed a desorption rate of Cr (VI) up to 92% with 0.5 mol of NaOH, which can be reused for three adsorption–desorption cycles. The overall data showed the efficiency of amidoximated polyacrylonitrile fibers in removing Cr (VI) from aqueous solutions. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13146, 2019
Synthesis of Issues and Future Directions
Authors: Fu Alice C. , Kannan Archana , Shavelson Richard J.
Published: March 2019

In this final chapter, we reflect on four themes that cut across the preceding chapters on evaluating outcomes in informal STEM education (ISE): validity, context, technology, and evaluation capacity building. We also note several topics that we hope will be addressed more extensively in future conversations about evaluation in ISE. These include the ethical responsibilities of evaluators, theory‐based approaches to evaluation, formal training and professional development pathways for evaluators, and funding opportunities and the structural landscape of the field.