bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixing Time and Scale‐up Investigation of a Moving‐Baffle Oscillatory Baffled Column
Authors: Sutherland Kayte , Pakzad Leila , Fatehi Pedram
Published: May 2021

Mixing time and scale‐up behavior were investigated for a moving‐baffle oscillatory baffled column (MB‐OBC). Computational fluid dynamics software was used to investigate the effects of the oscillation conditions and changes in the column scale on the dimensionless mixing time. The results indicate that small amplitudes combined with high frequencies are detrimental to the mixing efficiency and that the scale‐up of an MB‐OBC is linearly dependent on the column diameter. This work, in combination with previous studies, proves that the predictability of the hydrodynamic behavior during scale‐up is inherent to oscillatory baffled columns. This trait is desirable for adapting these columns for industrial‐scale applications.
Extractive and Auto‐Extractive Distillation of Azeotropic Mixtures
Authors: Frolkova Alla , Frolkova Anastasia , Gaganov Ivan
Published: May 2021

Extractive distillation is one of the energy‐efficient methods for separating azeotropic mixtures. The question of the influence of the mixture original composition on the operating parameters of the columns of extractive and auto‐extractive distillation remains open. The extractive distillation of an acetone+methanol mixture and auto‐extractive distillation of an acetone+methanol+water (dimethylsulfoxide) mixture was simulated using AspenPlus. The impact of the solvent and acetone content in the original mixture on the operating parameters of the columns was investigated for the first time. It is demonstrated that the presence of an entrainer in the original mixture reduces the amount of solvent needed to separate the mixture, the reflux ratio, and the total energy consumption of the process.
Facile Surface Laser Modification of Nickel Foams for Efficient Water Oxidation Electrocatalysis
Authors: Li Yejun , Cao Youwei , Duan Ran , Qi Weihong , Zhang Yangyang , Xie Haipeng , Tong Yonggang , Gao Xiaohui , Yin Kai , Zhang Gufei , Wei Haigen , He Jun
Published: May 2021

Despite the recent efforts and progress on the transition metal‐based electrocatalysts for water splitting, it is still a challenge to fabricate oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts with high performance, simultaneously via a simple, facile, and environment‐friendly way. Herein, we report a facile strategy for the fabrication of NiFe oxides‐based micro/nano‐structures on Ni foams via simple femtosecond laser ablation, where the Ni : Fe ratio can be readily tuned by changing the amount of Fe precursors dropped on the Ni foams. The resulted electrocatalysts exhibit excellent oxygen evolution reaction activity with low overpotentials of 221 and 241 mV at 25 and 50 mA cm−2, and good long‐term durability under high current density in alkaline condition, suggesting great potentials for practical applications.
Imprint cytology: Invaluable technique to evaluate fresh specimens received in the pathology department for lymphoma workup
Authors: Julien Louis‐André , Michel René P.
Published: May 2021

At the time of intraoperative consultation, cytologic preparations including smears and imprints can be used in combination with frozen sections to increase diagnostic yield; however, these simple and rapid techniques are not adopted by all pathologists and their use varies considerably between institutions. In patients under investigation for suspected lymphoma, optimal triaging of tissue received fresh in pathology for lymphoma workup is paramount to maximize the odds of obtaining an accurate and clinically meaningful diagnosis and to avoid the need for additional procedures and delays in management, particularly in the current context in which core biopsies have become common practice as a first attempt to attain this goal. Imprint cytology is invaluable in this regard, also as these patients may not have a lymphoma but rather one of its clinical mimics. Herein, imprint cytology is used to approach fresh specimens received intraoperatively for lymphoma workup. More specifically, how these specimens are triaged for ancillary studies, such as flow cytometry, florescence in situ hybridization, or molecular analyses based on an interpretation of the touch imprints, is described. Detailed imprint cytological findings of typical benign and malignant lymphoid and nonlymphoid lesions are discussed and illustrated.
HHS exempts buprenorphine prescribers with 30 patients or fewer from waiver
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2021

A study from the National Institutes of Health measuring the prevalence of nine substance use disorders (a cannabis‐spe
Schizophrenia: Lower brain Glutamate levels could be linked to antipsychotics; higher could be biomarker for disease severity
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2021

A mega‐analysis suggests that lower brain Glutamate (Glu) levels in patients with schizophrenia may be associated with antipsychotic medication exposure, not greater age‐related decline; higher brain Glu levels may act as a biomarker of illness severity in schizophrenia. The study looked at altered brain glutamatergic function via proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies. The association of altered glutamatergic function with clinical and demographic factors is unclear, so researchers looked at age, symptom severity, level of functioning, and antipsychotic treatment with brain glutamatergic metabolites. They found a total of 45 studies with useful data, and extracted Glu, Glu plus glutamine (Glx), or total creatine plus phosphocreatine levels, with age, antipsychotic medication dose, symptom severity, and functioning assessed using linear mixed models, with study as a random factor.
FDA urges proper disposal of unused or expired medications
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2021

Unused or expired medicines in the home have long been a major safety concern. For example, data calls suggest that from 2015–2019 a variety of medications were implicated in some of the most common, and the most severe, cases of accidental ingestion of household substances by children. These data also indicate that calls to poison control centers during this time showed that pain medications were the single most frequent cause of pediatric fatalities. Drug take back programs offer a valuable opportunity for protection. For many years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has strongly supported work to expand the availability of drug take back programs. These programs, many of which are run in local communities, can help people dispose of unused or expired medicines that can be potentially lethal — such as fentanyl patches, which are so potent that even a used patch touched by a child can lead to death.
Effects of Monochoria vaginalis density on yield losses, economic thresholds, and gross returns in paddy rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Zhou Wenwen , Luo Juan , Li Baotong , Tang Limei , Zheng Xianxian , Li Yuqi
Published: May 2021

Monochoria vaginalis (Burm. f.) Kunth is an annual weed commonly found in paddy fields. Understanding the effects of M. vaginalis on the yield and economics of paddy rice (Oryza sativa L.) is essential for integrated weed management. Here, a field experiment was conducted over two consecutive years (2017–2018) to determine the effects of different densities of M. vaginalis (0, 1, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 plants m–2) on yield losses, economic thresholds, and gross returns in paddy rice. The results showed that a higher density of M. vaginalis exhibited greater inhibitory effects on plant height, tiller number per plant, and adjusted gross returns in both early and late rice. The inhibitory effects on spike number per plant, filled grains per panicle, and 1,000‐kernel weight were also significant, although lesser than those observed on the other yield traits. The economic threshold of M. vaginalis under manual weeding varied from 2.80 to 4.44 plants m–2, whereas the threshold levels under herbicide application ranged between 0.71 and 1.03 plants m–2 in the 2 yr. Averaged across all other factors, the adjusted gross returns decreased by 45.0% with increasing M. vaginalis density from 0 to 24 plants m–2. Taking into account the economic thresholds and gross returns, irrational use of herbicides should be prevented for weed management in paddy fields. This study provides useful data for reducing the use of chemical herbicides, saving the costs of weed management practices, and protecting the environment of farmland ecosystems.
Disentangling the effects of host relatedness and elevation on haemosporidian parasite turnover in a clade of songbirds
Authors: Starkloff Naima C. , Turner Wendy C. , FitzGerald Alyssa M. , Oftedal Michelle C. , Martinsen Ellen S. , Kirchman Jeremy J.
Published: May 2021

The persistence of a parasite species in an ecological community is determined both by its environmental tolerance and host breadth. The relative contribution of these niche characteristics to parasite community structure is challenging to parse because host persistence is also a consequence of extrinsic environmental factors. We investigated haemosporidian parasites (genera Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon, and Haemoproteus) in a clade of avian hosts in eastern North America. Species in this clade of Catharus thrushes occupy specific elevational bands in a non‐phylogenetically determined manner. This allowed us to tease apart the effects of host relatedness and elevation on parasite community structure, diversity, and infection prevalence. We screened blood and tissue samples from 414 adult birds from four mountain ranges in the Appalachian Highlands for blood parasites using a cytochrome‐b‐nested PCR protocol and identified parasite lineages by sequencing. We found an overall infection prevalence of 88.4% and identified a total of 38 parasite lineages including six novel lineages. Parasite community patterns varied by genus. Host relatedness rather than elevational zone predicted the beta turnover and phylobeta turnover of Leucocytozoon parasites, indicating that closely related rather than geographically proximate host species had more similar parasites. This pattern was not seen in Plasmodium parasites because the diversity of this parasite genus varied considerably in the high elevational zones among mountain ranges, that is, a sky‐island effect. Haemoproteus parasites were rare in this study system. Our study suggests that the mechanisms that underlie community structuring vary between haemosporidian genera due to differences in the degree of host sharing among lineages.
Nonlinear survival of imperiled fish informs managed flows in a highly modified river
Authors: Michel Cyril J. , Notch Jeremy J. , Cordoleani Flora , Ammann Arnold J. , Danner Eric M.
Published: May 2021

Water is a fundamental resource in freshwater ecosystems, and streamflow plays a pivotal role in driving riverine ecology and biodiversity. Ecologically functional flows, managed hydrographs that are meant to reproduce the primary components of the natural hydrograph, are touted as a potential way forward to restore ecological functions of highly modified rivers, while also balancing human water needs. A major challenge in implementing functional flows will be establishing the shape of the managed hydrograph so as to optimize improvements to the ecosystem given the limited resources. Identifying the shape of the flow–biology relationship is thus critical for determining the environmental consequences of flow regulation. In California's Central Valley, studies have found that increased streamflow can improve survival of imperiled juvenile salmon populations during their oceanward migration. These studies have not explored the potential nonlinearities between flow and survival, giving resource managers the difficult task of designing flows intended to help salmon without clear guidance on flow targets. We used an information theoretic approach to analyze migration survival data from 2436 acoustic‐tagged juvenile Chinook salmon from studies spanning differing water years (2013–2019) to extract actionable information on the flow–survival relationship. This relationship was best described by a step function, with three flow thresholds that we defined as minimum (4259 cfs), historic mean (10,712 cfs), and high (22,872 cfs). Survival varied by flow threshold: 3.0% below minimum, 18.9% between minimum and historic mean, 50.8% between historic mean and high, and 35.3% above high. We used these thresholds to design alternative hydrographs over the same years that included an important component of functional flows: spring pulse flows. We compared predicted cohort migration survival between actual and alternative hydrographs. Managed hydrographs with pulse flows that targeted high survival thresholds were predicted to increase annual cohort migration survival by 55–132% without any additions to the water budget and by 79–330% with a modest addition to the water budget. These quantitative estimates of the biological consequences of different flow thresholds provide resource managers with critical information for designing functional flow regimes that benefit salmon in California's highly constrained water management arena.
Impact of 3‐Cyanopropionic Acid Methyl Ester on the Electrochemical Performance of ZnMn2O4 as Negative Electrode for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Zijian , Gehrlein Lydia , Bothe Annika , Maibach Julia , Balducci Andrea , Dsoke Sonia
Published: May 2021

Due to their high theoretical capacity, transition metal oxide compounds are promising electrode materials for lithium‐ion batteries. However, one drawback is associated with relevant capacity fluctuations during cycling, widely observed in the literature. Such strong capacity variation can result in practical problems when positive and negative electrode materials have to be matched in a full cell. Herein, the study of ZnMn2O4 (ZMO) in a nonconventional electrolyte based on 3‐cyanopropionic acid methyl ester (CPAME) solvent and LiPF6 salt is reported for the first time. Although ZMO in LiPF6/CPAME electrolyte displays a dramatic capacity decay during the first cycles, it shows promising cycling ability and a suppressed capacity fluctuation when vinylene carbonate (VC) is used as an additive to the CPAME‐based electrolyte. To understand the nature of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), the electrochemical study is correlated to ex situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
Greenhouse gas emissions associated with four types of fertilization for corn crops in a Mediterranean basin
Authors: Abrahão Raphael , Carvalho Monica , Causapé Jesús
Published: May 2021

The environmental impacts associated with the intensification of agricultural practices have become an emerging issue, and new techniques are being developed to satisfy public demands. The application of fertilizers is a crucial step for agriculture practices. Building upon previous studies at a Mediterranean basin, the objective of the research presented herein was to quantify the greenhouse gas emissions associated with four different types of fertilization in the production of corn: traditional (NPK 8–15‐15 and urea), controlled‐release (NPK 8–15‐15, and a combination of urea and encapsulated urea), and two types of fertilization with pig slurry (NPK 8–15‐15, pig slurry and different amounts of urea). The Life Cycle Assessment methodology was employed, with the Ecoinvent database and the IPCC 2013 GWP 100y impact assessment method. The results revealed that traditional fertilization emitted 3251 kg CO2‐eq/ha·year, against 2191 kg CO2‐eq/ha·year for controlled‐release fertilization. Pig slurry fertilization emitted 2160 kg CO2‐eq/ha·year, and its alternative with less urea, only 1030 kg CO2‐eq/ha·year. The utilization of pig slurry solves the issue of its disposal and entails lower costs (commercial fertilizer prices follow the prices of oil and gas). The results demonstrated the potential of controlled‐release fertilization and pig slurry to contribute to climate change mitigation.
A quasi‐experimental study on the effect of health and food safety training intervention on restaurant food handlers during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Mohammadi‐Nasrabadi Fatemeh , Salmani Yeganeh , Esfarjani Fatemeh
Published: May 2021

The restaurant business has turned into a dynamic and ever‐growing industry. So, food safety must be a priority for these establishments, especially during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of training intervention on the health and food safety knowledge, attitude, and self‐reported practice (KAP) of restaurant food handlers during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This quasi‐experimental study was conducted on 159 restaurant food handlers in Tehran, Iran. The training intervention was developed based on the latest global guidelines. The KAP of the subjects was measured before and after the training. Fisher's exact test, paired t test, and repeated measures ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Data analysis was done using the IBM_SPSS software. The total knowledge scores of participants were low (17.6%), moderate (35.2%), and good (47.2%) before training, which were changed to 5% (low), 23.9% (moderate), and 71.1% (good) after training. The total pretraining attitude scores were 0.6, 77.4, 18.2, and 3.8% that were changed to 0% (strongly negative), 49.1% (negative), 33.3% (positive), and 17.6% (strongly positive), respectively. Also, the self‐reported practice scores of the participants before training were 1.3, 56, and 42.7 that were changed to 0% (weak), 26.4% (acceptable), and 73.6% (desirable) after the intervention, respectively. Paired t test results showed a statistically significant increase in all scores. The interaction of training with age and education was statistically significant in increasing the knowledge and attitude scores of the participants by the repeated measures ANOVA. Improving the KAP of food handlers by health and food safety training can improve the status of restaurants and minimize the outbreak of pandemic diseases, including COVID‐19, which is an effective step in community health. Thus, it is an urgent need for policymakers to design an online system of continuous food safety training for food handlers.
Effectiveness of the conditional random‐end trading mechanism on the Korea Exchange: Normal trade and Option Shock
Authors: Eom Kyong S. , Kwon Kyung Y. , Park Jong‐Ho
Published: May 2021

Option Shock was a notable 2010 manipulation in Korean stock and derivatives markets. Motivated by Option Shock, we examine the effectiveness of the conditional random‐end (RE) trading mechanism during the opening or closing call auction on the Korea Exchange. We find the conditional RE trading mechanism promotes price stabilization, but with some reservations, and improves price discovery and efficiency at the open, but causes overshooting at the close. We also find it somewhat effective in filtering out spoofing orders, but failed to stabilize the market in the extreme case of Option Shock, which motivated a change to an unconditional RE trading mechanism.
Principles and open questions in functional brain network reconstruction
Authors: Korhonen Onerva , Zanin Massimiliano , Papo David
Published: May 2021

Graph theory is now becoming a standard tool in system‐level neuroscience. However, endowing observed brain anatomy and dynamics with a complex network representation involves often covert theoretical assumptions and methodological choices which affect the way networks are reconstructed from experimental data, and ultimately the resulting network properties and their interpretation. Here, we review some fundamental conceptual underpinnings and technical issues associated with brain network reconstruction, and discuss how their mutual influence concurs in clarifying the organization of brain function.
Risk of breast cancer and prediagnostic urinary excretion of bisphenol A, triclosan and parabens: The Multiethnic Cohort Study
Authors: Wu Anna H. , Franke Adrian A. , Wilkens Lynne R. , Tseng Chiuchen , Conroy Shannon M. , Li Yuqing , Sangaramoorthy Meera , Polfus Linda M. , DeRouen Mindy C. , Caberto Christian , Haiman Christopher , Stram Daniel O. , Le Marchand Loïc , Cheng Iona
Published: May 2021

Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), triclosan and parabens is widespread but their impact on breast cancer risk remains unclear. This nested case‐control study investigated endocrine‐disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and breast cancer risk within the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC). We measured prediagnostic urinary BPA, triclosan and parabens in 1032 postmenopausal women with breast cancer (48 African American, 77 Latino, 155 Native Hawaiian, 478 Japanese American and 274 White) and 1030 individually matched controls, using a sensitive and validated liquid chromatography mass spectrometry assay. Conditional logistic regression was used to examine risk with these EDCs with adjustment for creatinine and potential confounders. In all women, breast cancer risk was not associated with BPA (Ptrend = 0.53) and was inversely associated with triclosan (ORT3 vs T1 = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.66‐1.04, Ptrend = 0.045) and total parabens (ORT3 vs T1 = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.62‐0.97, Ptrend = 0.03). While risk of hormone receptor positive (HR+) cancer was 20% to 23% lower among women in the upper two tertiles of paraben exposure (Ptrend = 0.02), risk of HR negative (HR−) was reduced 27% but only among those in the upper tertile of exposure. Although risk associations did not differ significantly by ethnicity or by body mass index (BMI), the inverse association with triclosan was observed mainly among overweight/obese women (ORT3 vs T1 = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.56‐1.02, Ptrend = 0.02). In summary, breast cancer risk in a multiethnic population was unrelated to BPA and was weakly inversely associated with triclosan and paraben exposures. Studies with multiple urine samples collected before breast cancer diagnosis are needed to further investigate these EDCs and breast cancer risk.
Fragmentation reactions of protonated α,ω‐diamino carboxylic acids: The importance of functional group interactions
Authors: Grossert J. Stuart , White Robert L.
Published: May 2021

Protonated members of a homologous series of biologically significant α,ω‐diamino carboxylic acids were subjected to collision induced dissociation (CID). The resulting fragmentation patterns were studied using isotopic labeling, quantum mechanical computations, and pseudo MS3 experiments conducted primarily on an ion trap mass spectrometer. Each protonated α,ω‐diamino acid showed a primary neutral loss of either ammonia or water; a clear explanation was developed for the observed variation of the two losses within the series. Protonated 2,3‐diaminopropanoic acid, 2,4‐diaminobutanoic acid, and 2,7‐diaminoheptanoic acid gave secondary losses of water, carbon monoxide, and a loss of water plus carbon monoxide, respectively. In the parallel pathways characterized for the fragmentations of protonated ornithine and lysine, the α‐nitrogen of the diamino acid was maintained in the cyclic iminium product formed by successive losses of NH3 and (H2O + CO), whereas the side‐chain nitrogen was retained by consecutive losses of H2O and (CO, NH3). The 1‐piperideine ion from protonated lysine was fragmented further, losing ethylene from carbons 4 and 5. Protonated 2,6‐diaminopimelic acid fragmented by analogous reactions. Detailed mechanistic schemes for the fragmentation of both protonated 2,3‐diaminopropanoic and ornithine were generated from MP2/DFT computations. This work highlights the participation of the side‐chain amino group, which distinguishes the gas‐phase chemistry of protonated α,ω‐diamino acids from the well‐documented fragmentation reactions of protonated α‐amino acids bearing a hydrogen atom or an alkyl side chain. In general, the results further illustrate the importance of intramolecular separations affecting the specific interactions between functional groups leading to the fragmentation of multifunctional ions.
Why not this destination? The effects of travel constraints of independent travelers on destination image formation
Authors: Kim Sung‐Eun , Kim Hyelin (Lina) , Yang Sung‐Byung
Published: May 2021

In spite of diverse measures by national governments and destination marketing organizations (DMOs), the statistics related to international tourist destinations, including those of independent travelers, show that the rankings of the most popular tourist destinations have undergone minimal changes over the past decade. The aim of this study is to understand the factors that prevent independent travelers from selecting smaller regions (i.e., relatively less popular destinations) and examine the impact of these constraint factors on destination image formation. Using both qualitative and quantitative data collected from independent travelers, this study found that intrapersonal, interpersonal, structural, and awareness constraints are the major constraint factors. Intrapersonal constraints were found to be negatively associated with the cognitive and affective image of a destination, while awareness constraints were found to be negatively associated with the cognitive image of a destination. Cognitive and affective images were also found to be significant antecedents of conative image. The study includes a discussion of theoretical and managerial implications of these findings and directions for future research.
Accurate Diagnosis of Adnexal Torsion—Not Only for Expert Sonographers
Authors: Silber Michal , Gilboa Yinon , Perlman Sharon , Krispin Eyal , Sukenik Shai , Shochat Tzippy , Hadar Eran , Bardin Ron
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and sonographic parameters associated with a correct or incorrect diagnosis of adnexal torsion made by resident/attending physicians who are not expert sonographers.

Methods

A retrospective study design included women who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) of a tertiary medical center between 2010 and 2019 with acute lower abdominal pain, who were subsequently diagnosed laparoscopically with adnexal torsion. Women who were correctly diagnosed in the ED by an obstetrician‐gynecologist who was not an expert sonographer were compared for clinical and sonographic parameters with women who were initially incorrectly diagnosed and underwent a second ultrasound examination by an expert sonographer following admission.

Results

Of 118 women with surgically proven adnexal torsion, 76 were correctly diagnosed in the ED and 42 were initially incorrectly diagnosed. The correctly diagnosed group was characterized by a significantly shorter mean time from admission to surgery, higher rate of vomiting, shorter duration of abdominal pain, and higher rate of prior torsion (P < .05). Physicians who made the correct diagnosis utilized more sonographic parameters than those who did not, namely ovarian size, ovarian edema, and Doppler flow. The correctly diagnosed group had a higher rate of bluish‐black (ischemic) adnexa at laparoscopy, but a higher rate of recovery following detorsion.

Conclusions

Physicians in the ED should be alerted to the need to address some basic sonographic features when adnexal torsion is suspected. The diagnostic accuracy of adnexal torsion can be improved by utilizing simple sonographic markers, even in the ED setting.
Transoral Laser Microsurgical Excision of a Laryngeal Schwannoma Located in the Paraglottic Space
Authors: Tritter Andrew G. , Sadoughi Babak
Published: May 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To report the first case of transoral excision of a paraglottic laryngeal schwannoma.

Methods

Case report.

Results

Laryngeal schwannomas are rare tumors, with approximately 75 cases reported to date worldwide. Most cases involve superficial supraglottic tumors excised transorally, and some have been found in deeper compartments and treated using transcervical approaches. This report describes the first excision of a schwannoma of the paraglottic space via endoscopic laser laryngotomy. The procedure allowed return to normal function, without recurrence within 8 months, after which the patient was lost to follow‐up.

Conclusions

Transoral excision of benign paraglottic tumors is safe and feasible.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:2729–2731, 2021
Deep Learning in Biomedical Optics
Authors: Tian Lei , Hunt Brady , Bell Muyinatu A. Lediju , Yi Ji , Smith Jason T. , Ochoa Marien , Intes Xavier , Durr Nicholas J.
Published: May 2021

This article reviews deep learning applications in biomedical optics with a particular emphasis on image formation. The review is organized by imaging domains within biomedical optics and includes microscopy, fluorescence lifetime imaging, in vivo microscopy, widefield endoscopy, optical coherence tomography, photoacoustic imaging, diffuse tomography, and functional optical brain imaging. For each of these domains, we summarize how deep learning has been applied and highlight methods by which deep learning can enable new capabilities for optics in medicine. Challenges and opportunities to improve translation and adoption of deep learning in biomedical optics are also summarized. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Mitigating endogeneity in corporate social responsibility research: An investigation using a neoclassical production function
Authors: Kruse Derek , Briggs Kristie , Neuman Eric J.
Published: May 2021

This paper investigates the growing need to control for endogeneity in corporate social responsibility (CSR) research. We modify the theoretical constructs of a neoclassical production function to include CSR and in doing so provide theoretical evidence of endogeneity in the estimation equation. We find that failure to empirically control for endogeneity leads to results that suggest CSR has a negative impact on firm production. However, when controlling for endogeneity through a two‐stage approach, the negative impact disappears. Moreover, we demonstrate the efficacy of using a proven theoretical estimation technique to include CSR and, therefore, mitigate endogeneity concerns.
Safety and Efficacy of a Beverage Containing Lupine Protein Hydrolysates on the Immune, Oxidative and Lipid Status in Healthy Subjects: An Intervention Study (the Lupine‐1 Trial)
Authors: Cruz‐Chamorro Ivan , Álvarez‐Sánchez Nuria , Álvarez‐Ríos Ana Isabel , Santos‐Sánchez Guillermo , Pedroche Justo , Millán Francisco , Carrera Sánchez Cecilio , Fernández‐Pachón María Soledad , Millán‐Linares María Carmen , Martínez‐López Alicia , Lardone Patricia Judith , Bejarano Ignacio , Guerrero Juan Miguel , Carrillo‐Vico Antonio
Published: May 2021

Scope

We have previously demonstrated the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties of in vitro administered Lupinus angustifolius protein hydrolysates (LPHs) on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a beverage containing LPHs (LPHb) on the immune, oxidative and metabolic status of healthy subjects.

Methods and Results

In this open‐label intervention, 33 participants daily ingest a LPHb containing 1 g LPHs for 28 days. Biochemical parameters are assayed in fasting peripheral blood and urine samples before, during (14 days) and after LPHb ingestion. Participants’ health status and the immune and antioxidant responses of PBMCs are also evaluated throughout the trial. The LPHb ingestion is safe and effective in both increasing the anti‐/pro‐inflammatory response of PBMCs and improving the cellular anti‐oxidant capacity. LPHb also reduces the low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C)/high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) atherogenic index. LPHb effect is particularly beneficial on decreasing not only the LDL‐C/HDL‐C index but also serum total cholesterol levels in the male cohort that shows the highest baseline levels of well‐known cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusion

This is the first study to show the pleiotropic actions of a lupine bioactive peptides‐based functional food on key steps of atherosclerosis including inflammation, oxidative stress, and cholesterol metabolism.
Sinusoidal‐slotted aperture‐coupled wide‐band circularly polarized cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna
Authors: Kumari Reena , Gangwar Ravi Kumar , Chaudhary Raghvendra Kumar
Published: May 2021

A novel dual‐cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (CDRA) structure is proposed for dual‐band circular polarization applications. Two DRs coupled to a sinusoidal and a rectangle typed slot for circular polarization (CP) operation. The 3‐dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth can be easily tuned by varying the rectangular slot width without disturbing the impedance bandwidth response. The proposed antenna archetype has been developed and experimentally tested to verify the simulation results. The experimental results show that the |S11| and AR bandwidth of (3.84–5.03) GHz and (3.9–4.8) & (4.95–5.16) GHz, respectively, and measured gain of 3.4 dB are achieved by the proposed dual CDRA. The AR frequency range is completely matched to the impedance frequency range.
Near‐infrared triggered drug delivery of Imatinib Mesylate by molybdenum disulfide nanosheets grafted copolymers as thermosensitive nanocarriers
Authors: Mohammadi Kalakoo Mina , Heydarinasab Amir , Moniri Elham , Ahmad Panahi Homayon , Khoshneviszadeh Rabea
Published: May 2021

A simple and facile approach has been applied for the synthesis of molybdenum disulfide nanosheets (MNs). Molybdenum disulfide nanosheets were prepared by mix‐solvent reflux exfoliation technique of bulk MoS2 with ethanol/water as the solvent. In this paper, a novel nano sorbent is reported for the surface grafting of poly [N‐Vinyl caprolactam‐co‐Vinyl Acetate] copolymer onto molybdenum disulfide nanosheets. The MNs@ p (NVCL‐co‐VAc) was modified by 3, 4‐diaminobenzoic acid (DABA) to enhance its adsorption capacity. The ability of MNs@ p (NVCL‐co‐VAc)‐DABA was estimated as a nanocarrier for the delivery of Imatinib Mesylate (IM) as an anticancer drug. The polymer grafted MNs@ p (NVCL‐co‐VAc)‐DABA was characterized by using field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis, and X‐ray powder diffraction. The effect of the experimental parameters, such as pH, contact time, and the temperature was evaluated. In vitro controlled drug release and phototherapy under near‐infrared (NIR) light irradiation are also discussed. In vitro release of IM from IM/MNs@ p (NVCL‐co‐VAc)‐DABA nanocarriers in the simulated blood fluid (pH = 7.4) shown that the release of IM was faster at 50°C than that at 37°C. The drug release amount under NIR light irradiation reached up to 98% over 15 min, which was about 12 times that without NIR light irradiation. The existence of absorbed NIR energy causes shrinkage of thermosensitive polymer chains and successfully caused the drug release. The sorption process was described by the Langmuir model and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic. The drug release kinetics was examined using Zero‐order, First‐order, Korsmeyer–Peppas, and Higuchi mathematical models.
Influences of fiber reinforced polymer layer on the dynamic deflection of concrete pipes containing nanoparticle subjected to earthquake load
Authors: Motezaker Mohsen , Kolahchi Reza , Rajak Dipen Kumar , Mahmoud S. R.
Published: May 2021

A numerical solution for dynamic analysis induced by earthquake load in concrete pipes containing SiO2 nanoparticles warped by fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) layer is utilized in the present paper on the basis of Mori–Tanaka model. The FRP layer is used as reinforcement for the concrete pipe. Utilizing the cylindrical higher order shell theory, the concrete pipe is mathematically simulated and the related governing relations are derived based on. Utilizing numerical methods of Newmark and Galerkin, the dynamic displacement of the concrete pipe is obtained. The influence of FRP layer and its thickness, volume fraction and agglomeration of nanoparticle, boundary conditions and length to radius ratio of the concrete pipe is studied on the dynamic deflection of the concrete pipe. Numerical outcomes illustrate that the FRP layer can reduces the dynamic deflection significantly.
Influence of Defects on the Schottky Barrier Height at BaTiO3/RuO2 Interfaces
Authors: Schuldt Katharina N. S. , Ding Hui , Jaud Jean-Christophe , Koruza Jurij , Klein Andreas
Published: May 2021

The Schottky barrier formation between polycrystalline acceptor‐doped BaTiO3 and high work function RuO2 is studied using photoelectron spectroscopy. Schottky barrier heights for electrons of ≈1.4 eV are determined, independent of doping level and oxygen vacancy concentration of the substrates. The insensitivity of the barrier height is related to the high permittivity of BaTiO3, which results in space‐charge regions (SCRs) being considerably wider than the inelastic mean free path of the photoelectrons. SCRs at any kind of interface should, therefore, be more important for the electronic and ionic conductivities in BaTiO3 than in materials with lower permittivity. A Ba‐rich phase at the surface of reduced acceptor‐doped BaTiO3 is also identified, which is explained by the formation of Ti vacancies in the 2D electron gas region at the surface.
Charge Oscillations in Quantum Spin Hall Constrictions
Authors: Traverso Ziani Niccolo , Cavaliere Fabio , Sassetti Maura
Published: May 2021

Constrictions between 1D helical edge states represent a useful tool for the realization of devices based on topological materials. Indeed, they complement superconductivity and magnetic barriers as gaps allowing to enlarge the functionalities of topological nanostructures. Recent experiments point to the direction that electronic interactions are not negligible in such systems. Herein, the interaction‐induced oscillations of the local electronic density at constrictions between helical edges are theoretically inspected. The system is in the quantum dot configuration thanks to magnetic barriers. By means of bosonization, it is shown that the fractional charge oscillations, predicted for single edges, can persist. On top of that, oscillations involving both edges and with different wave vectors can appear. It is argued that the dominant oscillation can be discriminated by varying the angle of magnetization of the barriers, thus providing information about the dominant interaction mechanisms.
Dual‐Band Absorption Effect in a Topological‐Insulator‐Based Tamm Plasmon Multilayer System
Authors: C H Meghna , Mathew Vincent
Published: May 2021

Topological insulator materials have attracted greater attention in recent years due to their conducting surface state and insulating bulk state. The unique surface states in topological insulators offer potential applications in photonics and optoelectronics. Herein, topological insulators’ near‐infrared plasmonic behavior is utilized to demonstrate a tunable double‐mode absorber that shows an electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT)‐like effect. A composite structure is formed by sandwiching a photonic crystal heterostructure between topological insulator layers. The transfer matrix method is used to examine the optical response. The evolution of the modes with changes in layer thicknesses, grating period number, and propagating angle is also investigated. The study is further extended to multichannel optical absorption by making changes in the composite structure period, and the resultant absorption spectrum shows a multichannel EIT‐like effect.
Effects of Heterogeneous Strain on the Magnetization Processes in Magnetic Nanomembranes
Authors: Challab Nabil , Faurie Damien , Haboussi Mohamed , Zighem Fatih
Published: May 2021

The realization of mechanically compliant spintronic elements relies on magnetic thin films prepared on flexible polymeric foils. Due to the strong difference in the mechanical properties of the magnetic thin film and the polymeric support, strong effects of heterogeneous strain emerge, which govern the magnetic response of the magnetic nanomembrane. Herein, the effect of the heterogeneous strain in a prototypical magnetic nanomembrane of Ni on the application‐relevant polyimide foil is studied. The distribution of the magnetoelastic field in the case of the heterogeneous strain is taken into account and compared with the case of the free‐standing Ni thin film. It is shown that the reversal process is strongly influenced by the heterogeneity at the early stages. Indeed, the reversal is characterized by two modes in the heterogeneous case, due to the strain localization in the nanomembrane, whereas the homogeneous case is characterized by a single mode. In contrast, the strain heterogeneity does not change significantly the postreversal oscillations as well as the equilibrium configuration for a given mean strain. These results are strongly relevant for a broad magnetism community working in the field of curvilinear magnetism, shapeable magnetoelectronics, and straintronics.
Voicing Rivers through ontopoetics: A co‐operative inquiry
Authors: Kurio Jacqueline , Reason Peter
Published: May 2021

A co‐operative inquiry was established to explore the experience of a panpsychic world of sentient beings rather than inert objects, a world in which mind—sentience, subjectivity, and the will of self‐realization—is a fundamental aspect of matter, just as matter is a fundamental aspect of mind. The nature of worldviews, the fundamental basis of our perceiving, thinking, valuing, and acting, is addressed and a brief outline of living cosmos panpsychism offered. The inquiry asks, could we humans, through intentional engagement, relate to the rivers as beings, subjects, or other‐than‐human persons in their own right? How might we engage with the rivers through personal relationship, ceremony, and invocation? What are the possibilities for reciprocal communication? In short, how might rivers speak?
Simultaneous Improvement of Efficiency and Stability of Organic Photovoltaic Cells by using a Cross‐Linkable Fullerene Derivative
Authors: Hong Ling , Yao Huifeng , Cui Yong , Yu Runnan , Lin You‐Wei , Chen Tsung‐Wei , Xu Ye , Qin Jinzhao , Hsu Chain‐Shu , Ge Ziyi , Hou Jianhui
Published: May 2021

Improving power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) and stability are two main tasks for organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. In the past few years, although the PCE of the OPV cells has been considerably improved, the research on device stability is limited. Herein, a cross‐linkable material, cross‐linked [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric styryl dendron ester (c‐PCBSD), is applied as an interfacial modification layer on the surface of zinc oxide and as the third component into the PBDB‐TF:Y6‐based OPV cells to enhance photovoltaic performance and long‐term stability. The PCE of the OPV cells that underwent the two‐step modification increased from 15.1 to 16.1%. In particular, such OPV cells exhibited much better stability under both thermal and air conditions because of the decreased number of interfacial defects and stable interfacial and active layer morphologies. The results demonstrated that the introduction of a cross‐linkable fullerene derivative into the interfacial and active layers is a feasible method to improve the PCE and stability of OPV cells.
High‐Performance Europium Fluoride Electron‐Selective Contacts for Efficient Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Linkun , Meng Lanxiang , Cai Lun , Chen Zhiming , Lin Wenjie , Chen Nuo , Wang Wenxian , Shen Hui , Liang Zongcun
Published: May 2021

Dopant‐free carrier‐selective contacts have attracted considerable research interests, extensively due to the avoidance of high‐temperature doping and their simple, environmental‐friendly fabrication processes for crystalline silicon (c‐Si) solar cells. Herein, a novel dopant‐free electron‐selective material, europium fluoride (EuF
x
) is developed. A desired Ohmic contact can be formed between lightly doped n‐type c‐Si and aluminum (Al) by inserting nanoscale EuF
x
films (2–4 nm) through thermal evaporation so as to avoid the high‐temperature phosphorus diffusion and offer a simple, robust process. The contact resistivity is lower than 20 mΩ cm2. EuF
x
film can effectively select electrons and block holes at the contact interface, which is attributed to its low work function and a large valence band offset with respect to n‐type c‐Si. Combined with an ultrathin silicon oxide (SiO2) as a passivation layer, a champion power conversion efficiency 21.6% of n‐type c‐Si solar cells with full‐area SiO2/EuF
x
is achieved. An average of absolute efficiency is increased by 12% compared with the reference. The results show that EuF
x
has particularly excellent electron‐selective transport performance. The new possibility of using lanthanide salts as electron‐selective contacts for photovoltaic (PV) devices is set up.
Characterization of Corn Starch‐Calcium Alginate Xerogels by Microscopy, Thermal, XRD, and FTIR Analyses
Authors: Lozano‐Vazquez Gustavo , Alvarez‐Ramirez Jose , Lobato‐Calleros Consuelo , Vernon‐Carter Eduardo Jaime , Hernández‐Marín Nancy Y.
Published: May 2021

Alginate‐based hydrogels supplemented with corn starch (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% relative to total solids) are obtained as a preliminary step to fabricate the corresponding xerogels. Microscopy showed that starch incorporated porosity to xerogels, while alginate tended to form layered structures. X‐ray analysis showed that the relative crystallinity is small (non‐higher than 5%), indicating the xerogels are basically amorphous structures. Thermal analysis revealed that starch induced reductions of the disintegration enthalpy, which might be ascribed to a disordered entanglement between starch chains and alginate molecules. FTIR analysis is used to characterize the structure (i.e., bonding) of water molecules in the xerogel structure. Starch increases the formation of clusters of strongly bonded water molecules. Overall, the results show that the addition of gelatinized corn starch result in the formation of a more stable crosslinked alginate structure mediate by the stronger interaction between the water molecules and alginate chains.
Impacts of Climate Change to Poultry Production in Africa: Adaptation Options for Broiler Chickens
Authors: Abioja M. O. , Abiona J. A.
Published: May 2021

Global climate change poses a great threat to poultry production. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are released through both natural and anthropogenic sources into the atmosphere. Though poultry production contributes little to the release of GHGs, the subsector has been shown to be greatly affected by climate change and global warming. Poultry production as a major subsector of agriculture has provided the teeming population with a supply of needed animal protein in terms of meat and egg production all over the world. It is yet a major global employer of labor. Though it occupies a vantage position in meeting human needs, it is being threatened by climate change, especially in Africa where necessary structure to tackle the menace is nonexistent. Broiler chickens that are reared mainly for chicken meat cannot tolerate the high ambient temperature that prevails mostly in the tropical environment. Chickens are homeotherms that homeostatically regulate core body temperature within a narrow range. Elevated ambient temperature above thermal comfort zone, such as envisaged in climate change scenarios, will trigger series of neuroendocrine modulations that are detrimental to the welfare and productivity in broiler chickens. Such birds are said to be undergoing heat stress (HS). Negative effects of HS include reduced feed consumption, growth rate, feed digestion and efficiency, immunity, welfare, and survivability. Various adaptive measures that could be harnessed by broiler farmers, ranging from housing, feeding, watering, stocking, breeding for thermo-tolerant strains, thermal conditioning, use of phytochemicals, and much more, are reviewed upon in this chapter.