bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity and reliability of the reflux symptom score
Authors: Lechien Jérôme R. , Bobin Francois , Muls Vinciane , Thill Marie‐Paule , Horoi Mihaela , Ostermann Katharina , Huet Kathy , Harmegnies Bernard , Dequanter Didier , Dapri Giovanni , Maréchal Marie‐Therese , Finck Camille , Rodriguez Ruiz Alexandra , Saussez Sven
Published: April 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

To develop and validate the Reflux Symptom Score (RSS), a self‐administered patient‐reported outcome questionnaire for patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR).

Study Design

Prospective controlled study.

Methods

A total of 113 patients with LPR were enrolled and treated with diet and 3 months of pantoprazole, alginate, and/or magaldrate depending on the LPR characteristics (acid, nonacid, or mixed). Eighty asymptomatic individuals completed the study. Patients and controls completed the RSS twice within a 7‐day period to assess test‐retest reliability. Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach's α for the RSS items in patients and controls. Validity was assessed by comparing the baseline RSS with the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Seventy‐seven patients completed the RSS at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment to assess responsiveness to change. The RSS cutoff for determining the presence and absence of LPR was examined by receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results

Test‐retest reliability (rs = 0.921) and internal consistency reliability (α = 0.969) were high. RSS exhibited high external validity indicated by a significant correlation with the RSI (rs = 0.831). Internal validity was excellent based on the higher RSS in patients compared with controls (P = .001). RSS, RSI, and VHI scores significantly improved from pre‐ to posttreatment, indicating a high responsiveness to change. RSS >13 can be considered suggestive of LPR‐related symptoms. RSS was not influenced by the occurrence of gastroesophageal reflux disease, LPR subtypes, or patient characteristics.

Conclusions

RSS is a self‐administered patient‐reported outcome questionnaire that demonstrates high reliability and excellent criterion‐based validity. RSS can be used in diagnosing and monitoring LPR disease.

Level of Evidence

3b

Laryngoscope, 130:E98–E107, 2020
An adaptive large neighborhood search with path relinking for a class of vehicle‐routing problems with simultaneous pickup and delivery
Authors: Hof Julian , Schneider Michael
Published: April 2019

We study a class of vehicle‐routing problems with simultaneous pickup and delivery (VRPSPD). In VRPSPDs, each customer may require a certain quantity of goods delivered from the depot and a quantity of goods to be picked up and returned to the depot. Besides the standard VRPSPD, we address (1) the VRPSPD with time limit (VRPSPDTL), which imposes a time limit on the routes of the transportation vehicles, (2) the VRPSPD with time windows (VRPSPDTW), which takes customer time windows into account, (3) the VRP with divisible deliveries and pickups (VRPDDP), which allows for fulfilling the delivery and pickup requests of each customer in two separate visits, (4) the previously unstudied VRP with restricted mixing of divisible deliveries and pickups (VRPRMDDP), which accounts for the difficulty of rearranging the vehicle load by additionally requiring that a certain percentage of the vehicle capacity must remain unoccupied when both types of demand are simultaneously loaded, and (5) the previously unstudied VRPDDP with time windows (VRPDDPTW). We develop a hybrid heuristic solution method which combines an adaptive large neighborhood search algorithm with a path relinking approach, called ALNS‐PR, and we demonstrate the competitiveness of our algorithm on benchmark instances proposed in the literature. Especially on VRPSPDTL, VRPSPDTW, and VRPDDP instances, our ALNS‐PR proves to be superior to the majority of comparison algorithms and is able to obtain numerous new best solutions.
Abdominal Fat in Individuals with Overweight Reduced by Consumption of a 1975 Japanese Diet: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Asano Masaki , Kushida Mamoru , Yamamoto Kazushi , Tomata Yasutake , Tsuji Ichiro , Tsuduki Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2019

Objective

This study aimed to investigate whether the intake of the 1975 Japanese diet (JD) could reduce the amount of abdominal fat in people with overweight.

Methods

Using a single‐blind randomized controlled trial, the modern diet (MD) was compared with the 1975‐type JD, which is based on the MD but includes five characteristics of the 1975 JD in an enhanced form. Overweight people were randomly assigned to an MD group (n = 30) and a JD group (n = 30). The participants consumed test diets that were provided three times a day for 28 days. Body composition measurements and blood biochemical examinations were performed before and after the test diet intake, and the proportions of change were compared.

Results

Those in the JD group had significantly decreased BMI, fat mass, and levels of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, glycated hemoglobin, and C‐reactive protein (P = 0.002, 0.015, 0.014, 0.012, and 0.039, respectively) and significantly increased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared with those in the MD group (P = 0.020).

Conclusions

The intake of a diet with the characteristics of the 1975 JD may have beneficial effects on lipid metabolism in people with overweight and reduce the onset risk of metabolism‐related disorders, such as obesity and diabetes.
Inclusiveness of Jordanian women in local decision‐making process: Opportunities and threats
Authors: Abu‐Hummour Anan M.
Published: April 2019

Increasing Jordanian women participation in decision‐making process is the most debated topic in local administration over the world, including Jordan. The objective of this study was to determine opportunities and challenges that influence the inclusiveness of Jordanian women in local decision‐making bodies as perceived by local administrative personnel working in local administration. Primary data collected from (120) participants selected randomly from local bodies in Jordan analyzed by SPSS. The analysis revealed a statistically significant correlation between inclusiveness of Jordanian women in local decision‐making bodies and opportunities for increasing their advancement into decision‐making positions at (α ≤ 0.05) except affirmative action variable was not statistically significant (α ≤ 0.05). The analysis also revealed a statistically significant correlation between inclusiveness of Jordanian women in local decision‐making bodies and threats for blocking their access to decision‐making positions at (α ≤ 0.05). The recommendations of this study are that further analyses are required within this field. This might be so relevant to other populations in Arab countries in the Middle East and elsewhere.
A well‐slept teacher is a better teacher: A multi‐respondent experience‐sampling study on sleep, stress, and emotional transmission in the classroom
Authors: Poon Cyanea Yui‐Sum , Hui Victoria Ka‐Ying , Yuen Gigi Wing‐Chee , Kwong Vivian Wing‐Yan , Chan Christian S.
Published: April 2019

The present study examined the impact of sleep, stress, and negative activating emotions of high‐school teachers on their students’ affective experience, academic motivation, and in‐class satisfaction. It is hypothesized that teachers’ sleep quality and stress have a positive influence on their own nervousness and irritability. With reference to the emotional crossover theory, teachers’ nervousness and irritability are hypothesized to intensify students’ nervousness and irritability and subsequently dampen their academic motivation and in‐class satisfaction. Experience‐sampling data were collected from 17 teachers and 437 students from two local high schools in Hong Kong across a 10‐school‐day period. Multilevel path analysis results revealed that teachers’ stress was significantly associated with teachers’ nervousness and irritability. Teachers’ nervousness, rather than irritability, was subsequently associated with higher levels of nervousness and irritability among students, which, in turn, impaired their in‐class satisfaction. There was also a significant negative association between students’ irritability and their academic motivation. Results further showed that teachers’ stress arising from poor sleep quality was a significant antecedent of the teacher–student emotional crossover, subsequently affecting students’ academic motivation and in‐class satisfaction. The findings highlight the detrimental effects of teachers’ poor sleep and the resulting stress on students’ academic and affective experience. Discussion focuses on how to improve teachers’ sleep and manage their stress so as to enhance students’ in‐class emotions and academic motivation.
Revalidation of Adjustment Disorder–New Module‐4 screening of adjustment disorder in a non‐clinical sample: Psychometric reevaluation and correlates with other ICD‐11 mental disorders
Authors: Lavenda Osnat , Mahat‐Shamir Michal , Lorenz Louisa , Hamama‐Raz Yaira , Greenblatt‐Kimron Lee , Pitcho‐Prelorentzos Shani , Ring Lia , Bar‐Shua Eti , Ben‐Ezra Menachem
Published: April 2019

In line with the new conceptualization of adjustment disorder (AjD) in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐11), a new 20‐item self‐report questionnaire was developed and validated – the Adjustment Disorder–New Module (ADNM). However, such a long research tool has the potential to become problematic for use in epidemiological and clinical settings. Therefore, an ultra‐brief measure for AjD (ADNM‐4) was established and validated in a recent study conducted with a representative national sample. The aim of the present study was to revalidate the ultra‐brief ADNM‐4 Scale, as well as to reestablish cutoff scores for clinical use. An online survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 484 Israelis aged 18–65 years, who were recruited via social media. Participants filled out self‐report questionnaires dealing with diagnostic criteria of stress‐related disorders, that is, AjD (the original and ultra‐brief modules), prolonged grief disorder, depression, anxiety, and hypochondriasis. Construct, discriminant, and convergent validity were assessed via confirmatory factor analysis and correlation coefficients, while cutoff scores were established through receiver–operating characteristic analysis. The findings confirmed the ultra‐brief module's validity. The high fit indices indicated construct validity, and the correlations with the various stress‐related disorders indicated good convergent and discriminant validity. Cutoff scores resembled earlier cutoff scores calculated with a representative national sample, indicating a consistent and accurate diagnostic ability. These findings provide additional evidence for the psychometric characteristics of the ADNM‐4, which seems to be a suitable brief screening tool for assessing AjD symptoms according to the ICD‐11 definition. Therefore, the ADNM‐4 is recommended in cases where prompt screening is required, as well as for research purposes.
A convenient, soil‐free method for the production of root nodules in soybean to study the effects of exogenous additives
Authors: Roy Choudhury Swarup , Johns Sarah M. , Pandey Sona
Published: April 2019

Legumes develop root nodules that harbor endosymbiotic bacteria, rhizobia. These rhizobia convert nitrogen to ammonia by biological nitrogen fixation. A thorough understanding of the biological nitrogen fixation in legumes and its regulation is key to develop sustainable agriculture. It is well known that plant hormones affect nodule formation; however, most studies are limited to model legumes due to their suitability for in vitro, plate‐based assays. Specifically, it is almost impossible to measure the effects of exogenous hormones or other additives during nodule development in crop legumes such as soybean as they have huge root system in soil. To circumvent this issue, the present research develops suitable media and growth conditions for efficient nodule development under in vitro, soil‐free conditions in an important legume crop, soybean. Moreover, we also evaluate the effects of all major phytohormones on soybean nodule development under identical growing conditions. Phytohormones such as abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA) had an overall inhibitory effect and those such as gibberellic acid (GA) or brassinosteroids (BRs) had an overall positive effect on nodule formation. This versatile, inexpensive, scalable, and simple protocol provides several advantages over previously established methods. It is extremely time‐ and resource‐efficient, does not require special training or equipment, and produces highly reproducible results. The approach is expandable to other large legumes as well as for other exogenous additives.
Isotope Effects on the Crystallization Kinetics of Selectively Deuterated Poly(ε‐Caprolactone)
Authors: Li Lengwan , Chang Dongsook , Arras Matthias M. L. , Li Wei , Li Tianyu , Keum Jong K. , Bonnesen Peter V. , Peng Xiangfang , Hong Kunlun
Published: April 2019

Deuterium labeling of semi‐crystalline polymers can dramatically affect their crystallization behaviors. However, the influence of different labeled positions in a partially deuterated polymer on its crystallization is still far from understood. Here, we synthesized a series of selectively deuterated poly(ε‐caprolactones) (PCLs) through ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone with controlled deuteration sites, including fully protiated (D0), fully deuterated (D10), tetra deuteration at the 3‐ and 7‐ caprolactone ring positions (D4) and hexa deuteration at the 4‐, 5‐, and 6‐ caprolactone ring positions (D6). All the PCLs showed a similar lamellar structure and parameters. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed that the equilibrium melting temperature , melting temperature Tm, crystallization temperature Tc, and crystallization kinetics changed systemically with the deuterium content except for D4, which indicates that the presence of CD2 moieties on either side of ester group in the polymer chain combined with isotopic inhomogeneity could influence the chain packing. The nonmonotonic trend of Tm as a function of deuterium content could be attributed to the difference in a hydrogen‐bond like intermolecular interaction between different PCLs. Partially deuterated PCLs (D4 and D6) showed an Avrami index near 2. After analyzing the parameters at the same supercooling temperature ΔTc, the existence of two crystallization regimes of PCLs were detected. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 771–779
The number “e”: Concept, definition, calculation, and accurate formula
Authors: Fernández Blanco Roberto
Published: April 2019

This article demonstrates a new method to determine the digits for the value of “e” Napier's constant or Euler's number. The estimate works out to a single equation. In process safety, several failure probability models use values of “e” to a power. Thus, novel methods to estimate the value of “e” may be of interest to a process safety engineer. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 38: e12052, 2019
Implications of Oxygen–Sulfur Exchange on Structural, Electronic Properties, and Stability of Alkali‐Metal Hexatitanates
Authors: Zulueta Leyva Yohandys Alexis , Nguyen Minh Tho
Published: April 2019

The structural and electronic properties and thermal stability of a new series of sulfur‐containing compounds (A2Ti6S13 [A = Li+, Na+, or K+]) are studied using density functional theory (DFT). The calculated equilibrium lattice parameters are larger compared to their oxide counterparts, Li2Ti6O13, Na2Ti6O13, and K2Ti6O13. These new compounds are thermodynamically stable with standard molar formation enthalpies of −8743, −8389, and −8386 kJ mol−1, and a cell voltage per A+ insertion/desertion process of roughly 2 V, which is comparable with the oxygen‐based systems. The electronic band structures of these systems indicate a semiconductor‐to‐metallic transition, where the metallic character is more accentuated for K2Ti6S13 and Li2Ti6S13.
Nanostructured Surface and Antimicrobial Properties of Chemically Modified Polymer Foils
Authors: Knapova Tereza , Matousek Jindrich , Kolarova Katerina , Slepicka Petr , Sicha Vaclav , Trogl Josef , Kolska Zdenka
Published: April 2019

Surfaces of solid polymer foils were modified by chemical methods. Surfaces were firstly activated by Piranha solution and then grafted with selected amino‐compounds (cysteamine, ethylenediamine and chitosan). Next step was established of cobaltacarborane compound. Selected surface properties were studied using various available methods to characterize changes in surface chemistry (X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy), charge and polarity (electrokinetic analysis), wettability (goniometry), surface roughness and morphology were studied by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Surface area with porosity by adsorption/desorption isotherms. The surface properties dramatically differ after individual activation and modification steps and can affect the adhesion properties. Also some antimicrobial tests were realized. Samples treated with cobaltcarborane compounds exhibit antimicrobial effects to algae D. quadricauda and to gram‐ positive bacteria S. epidermidis. It was confirmed this cobaltcarborane compound can be easily grafted on polymer surface by two ways (i) directly onto Piranha activated polymer surfaces and/or (ii) via amino‐ compounds previously grafted onto Piranha activated polymer surfaces. The most important fact is that its antimicrobial behaviour remains preserved also after its grafting onto polymer surface. These chemically modified polymers can be used in the fields of nanobiotechnology, tissue engineering studies, biomedicine or environment protection.
Hybrid Oleic Acid‐Graphene Quantum Dot Vesicles for Drug Delivery
Authors: Boruah Jayanta S. , Chowdhury Devasish
Published: April 2019

Bio‐mimicking hybrid vesicle systems are ideal candidates for drug/gene delivery and nano‐reactor applications. Here, we report the fabrication of hybrid oleic acid‐graphene quantum dot vesicles that were successfully used as an efficient drug delivery system (DDS). The fabricated hybrid oleic acid‐graphene quantum dot vesicles were characterized by UV‐Visible spectrophotometry, optical microscopy, dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy. In this experiment, methylene blue (MB) dye was used as a model drug. Hybrid oleic acid‐graphene quantum dot vesicles were very efficient in drug loading (98.3%) when compared with bare oleic acid vesicles (71.98%). It is observed that drug release was pH‐dependent and higher release was observed at pH 5, much lower or negligible release takes place at pH 7.4. Development of such hybrid vesicles will lead to biocompatible, nontoxic, easily fabricated, and stimuli responsive DDSs.
3‐(2‐(5‐Amino‐3‐aryl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl) thiazol‐4‐yl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐ones as Potential Anticancer Agents: Synthesis, Anticancer Activity Evaluation and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Vaarla Krishnaiah , Karnewar Santosh , Panuganti Devayani , Peddi Saikiran Reddy , Vedula Rajeswar Rao , Manga Vijjulatha , Kotamraju Srigiridhar
Published: April 2019

In an effort to design and develop efficient anticancer agents here, we report the synthesis, anticancer activity and molecular docking studies of new 3‐(2‐(5 amino‐3‐aryl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)thiazol‐4‐yl)‐2H‐chromen‐2‐ones. The target products were synthesized via a facile one pot multicomponent approach by utilizing various substituted 3‐(2‐bromoacetyl)coumarins(1 a‐j), thiosemicarbazide (2) and benzoylacetonitriles (3 a–c) with excellent yields. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by physical and analytical methods (IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and Mass spectra) and screened for their anti cancer property against five human cancer cell lines [L1210, CEM, DU‐145, HeLa, and MCF‐7]. Among the tested compounds, 6‐diethylamino substituted compound 4 k exhibited excellent potency against tested cancer cell lines, whereas 6,8‐Ditert‐butyl substituted compound 4 j shown promising activity against DU‐145 and MCF‐7 cancer cell lines with IC50 values of 7±1 and 9±6 μM. Molecular docking study was carried out in order to understand the most plausible binding site interactions of the compounds with human Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).
A Study on the Interaction between New Indole Amide Compound and Aluminum(III) Ion
Authors: Chen Jichao , Jiang Weina , Lu Wen , Xu Li , Yang Shilong , Xue Huayu , Shi Jiuzhou , Sun Xu
Published: April 2019

A new indole‐based compound N‐(pyridine‐2‐ylmethyl)‐1H‐indole‐2‐carboxamide (FL) which could selectively recognize Al3+ had been designed, synthesized and evaluated. FL could detect Al3+ with high sensitivity. The fluorescence intensity of FL‐Al3+ solution was linear dependence to the concentration of Al3+ in the ranges from 0 to 5 μmol/L. The addition of Al3+ caused quenching of fluorescence intensity and the limit of detection for Al3+ was as low as 1.79×10−9 M. The binding ratio of FL‐Al3+ was obtained 3:2 by Job's plot and the binding constant was 9.37×105. Moreover, FL had been successfully applied in real sample detection.
C59N Heterofullerene: A Promising Catalyst for NO Conversion into N2O
Authors: Esrafili Mehdi D. , Heidari Safa
Published: April 2019

We report, for the first time, the possibility of using N‐doped C60 fullerene (C59N) as a novel and highly active metal‐free catalyst for reduction of NO molecules to N2O. First‐principles density functional theory calculations are used to find the most energetically favorable adsorbed/coadsorbed configurations of NO molecules over C59N. Our results indicate that introducing a N impurity in C60 can induce a positive charge and large spin density over the carbon atoms nearest to the dopant atom. Consequently, these carbon atoms are identified as the most reactive sites to interact with the NO molecule. According to our results, the dissociation of NO molecule over C59N is almost impossible, due to its relatively high activation energy (1.35 eV). The reduction of NO over C59N starts with the coadsorption of two NO molecules to form (NO)2 species, followed by the dissociation of (NO)2 into N2O and an active atomic oxygen (Oads). The energy barrier to convert NO molecules into N2O ranges from 0.33 to 0.75 eV, which indicates this process is likely to proceed at normal temperature. Besides, by overcoming a negligible energy barrier (0.18 eV), the remaining Oads moiety can be easily eliminated by a CO molecule. To further understand the role of nitrogen atoms in the NO reduction process, the catalytic performance of high percentage N‐doped fullerene (C48N12) is also studied.
Novel Strategy for Producing Nanoplatelets to be Used as Building Blocks for Shaping Nanofibers through Layered Double Hydroxides and Poly Vinyl Alcohol
Authors: Saber Osama , Aljaafari Abdullah , Alomair Haifa A. , Alshoaibi Adil
Published: April 2019

It is known that the layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have grown in the nano scale. However, their morphologies are platelets in the micro scale. In order to be more applicable for designing nano‐devices, the present research promotes the growth process of LDHs not only to produce nanoplatelets using the chains of poly vinyl alcohol but also to use them as building blocks for forming nanofibers. In presence of poly vinyl alcohol, Zn‐Al LDHs were prepared and characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and Infrared spectra. SEM and TEM images showed that the prepared Zn‐Al‐PVA LDHs have nanofibers shape. HRTEM images revealed nanoplatelets with dimension lower than 10 nm around the fibers. By thermal treatment, the layered structure of the nanoplatelets disappeared and the nanocomposites of aluminum zinc oxides were grown in shape of nanofibers. The optical properties and the photo activities of the prepared nanoplatelets and nanofibers were examined and compared with their counterpart nanoparticles through photocatalytic degradation of colored dyes. The experimental results showed that the nanofibers were very active for photocatalytic degradation of green dyes. Finally, this study concluded that polymer chains could be used as seeds for growing nanoplatelets, which acted as building blocks in the nano scale to form active nanofibers for environmental applications. Also, this approach will be useful for building nanodevices.
Ab‐Initio Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Electrolysis of Waste Water
Authors: Frank Irmgard
Published: April 2019

Electrolysis is potentially a valuable method for cleansing waste water. Chemically the process is ultra‐fast and highly complex. In the present study the products formed at the cathode and anode are investigated using Car‐Parrinello molecular dynamics. To make a start into this vast field, relatively simple mixtures are investigated. The simulations of the anodic process are performed for urea and uric acid in water containing discharged hydroxide. The cathodic process is simulated for urea and uric acid in water with discharged ammonium ions. While at the cathode mainly molecular hydrogen is developed, the chemistry at the anode is rather complex. We observe unstable intermediates which are probably toxic.
Temperature Sensing Properties base on Up‐Conversion Luminescence for NaYF4: Er3+, Yb3+ Phosphor
Authors: Cui Yanwen. , Meng Qingyu. , Lü Shuchen. , Sun Wenjun.
Published: April 2019

EDTA was used as chelating agent to synthesize Er3+, Yb3+ co‐doped NaYF4 phosphor by hydrothermal process. The crystallographic structures were characterized by X‐ray Diffraction (XRD). The morphologies were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE ‐ SEM). It can be known that with the increase of the EDTA/Re3+, the crystalline phase of samples change from α phase to the β phase. The temperature‐dependent up‐conversion emission spectra of the samples have been tested by the 980 nm laser excitation. Temperature sensing properties of samples were studied based on the fluorescence intensity ratio for two thermally coupled levels 2H11/2 and 4S3/2 of Er3+. The results show that the optical temperature sensing sensitivity increased gradually along with the EDTA/Re3+ increasing, no matter the samples are α phase or β phase. And the sensitivity maximum of α phase samples is 0.00419 K−1 (at 486 K, EDTA/Re3+=3), the sensitivity maximum of β phase samples is 0.00466 K−1 (at 550 K, EDTA/Re3+=8). But the relative sensitivity has nothing to do with the amount of EDTA, only related to the crystalline phase. The relative sensitivity maximum of α phase samples is about 0.0105 K−1 (at 303 k), the maximum relative sensitivity of β phase samples is about 0.0120 K−1 (at 303 k). So, temperature sensing properties of β phase are better than that of α phase.
Color‐Tunable Eu3+ and Tb3+ Co‐Doped Nanophosphors Synthesis by Plasma‐Assisted Method
Authors: Lin LiangLiang , Ma XinTong , Starostin Sergey A. , Li SiRui , Hessel Volker , Shen Jie , Shang ShaoMing , Xu HuJun
Published: April 2019

With increasing health consciousness, Y2O3‐based rare earth nanophosphors are considered as promising luminescent complexes for bio‐applications. In the present study, an atmospheric pressure plasma‐electrochemical technique is demonstrated for the synthesis of Eu3+/Tb3+ single‐doped or co‐doped Y2O3 nanophosphors from merely an aqueous solution of the corresponding rare earth nitrite salts. Systematic experiments were performed to prepare (Y1‐x‐yEuxTby)2O3 nanophosphors of various Tb3+ and Eu3+ ratios (x:y = 1:0, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, and 0:1), with the ultimate goal to achieve the colour tunability by simply adjusting the dopant compositions. Results indicated successfulness synthesis of crystalline Eu/Tb single‐doped and co‐doped Y2O3 nanophosphors with Tb3+ and Eu3+ ions being uniformly incorporated into the Y2O3 host matrix. The generated products showed apparent downshift behaviour under ultraviolet irradiation, and characteristic spectral excitation and emission bands were detected by the photoluminescence measurement. Furthermore, by adjusting the relative composition ratios of the terbium and europium ions, the emission colours were shown to be regulated to a large extent. The demonstrated process can be characterized as simple, versatile and environmentally‐friendly, featuring great flexibility in colour tunability, and therefore can present a considerable interest for emerging nanofabrication applications.
Synthesis and Properties of Au Hydride
Authors: Sil Devika , Lane Christopher , Glor Ethan , Gilroy Kyle D. , Sylla Safiya , Barbiellini Bernardo , Markiewicz Robert , Hajfathalian Maryam , Neretina Svetlana , Bansil Arun , Fakhraai Zahra , Borguet Eric
Published: April 2019

The generation of chemical species from gases, noble metals and light interacting with localized surface plasmons represents a new paradigm for achieving low energy sustainable reaction pathways. Here, we demonstrate that the dissociation reaction of H2 meditated by the decay of localized surface plasmons of gold nanoparticles leads to the generation of a new material as detected by a change in the optical properties of the gold nanostructures. The effective permittivity measured by in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry shows a blue‐shift of 0.02 eV in the surface plasmon resonance, demonstrating the plausible formation of a metastable gold hydride layer on the surface of nanoparticles following the dissociation of H2. The formation of this gold hydride through the interaction of gold with atomic H is supported by first‐principles simulations. These calculations do not indicate a significant charge transfer upon hydrogenation of the (111) surface but rather large Friedel charge oscillations within the gold layer. Moreover, our blue‐shift is produced by the formation of a hydride leading to changes in critical band gaps in the electronic structure. For a coverage of 11%, the calculated peak of the imaginary part of the ZZ‐component of the dielectric tensor undergoes a blue shift of 28 nm from a hydrogen free peak at 574 nm.
Dynamic Nanostructures from DNA‐Coupled Molecules, Polymers, and Nanoparticles
Authors: Albert Shine K. , Hu Xiaole , Park So‐Jung
Published: April 2019

Dynamic and reconfigurable systems that can sense and react to physical and chemical signals are ubiquitous in nature and are of great interest in diverse areas of science and technology. DNA is a powerful tool for fabricating such smart materials and devices due to its programmable and responsive molecular recognition properties. For the past couple of decades, DNA‐based self‐assembly is actively explored to fabricate various DNA–organic and DNA–inorganic hybrid nanostructures with high‐precision structural control. Building upon past development, researchers have recently begun to design and assemble dynamic nanostructures that can undergo an on‐demand transformation in the structure, properties, and motion in response to various external stimuli. In this Review, recent advances in dynamic DNA nanostructures, focusing on hybrid structures fabricated from DNA‐conjugated molecules, polymers, and nanoparticles, are introduced, and their potential applications and future perspectives are discussed.
Virgins, Terrorists, and Ten Children: Immigrants' Humorous Play with Ethnic Stereotypes in Bonding with Danes in the Workplace
Authors: Esholdt Henriette Frees
Published: April 2019

Drawing on fieldwork in a multi‐ethnic workplace (an industrial kitchen in Denmark), this article explores immigrants' self‐directed ethnic humor in collegial relationships with Danes as it spontaneously develops and plays out in everyday work settings. Approaching ethnic humor from a symbolic interactionist perspective rather than adopting the dominant conflict approach, this article emphasizes the bonding functions of ethnic humor. The article argues that immigrants' engagement in playful behavior with ethnic stereotypes in interactions with Danes is a form of “impression management” in which they defuse ethnic stereotypes and dissociate themselves from them by building joking relationships in the workplace with Danes. A video abstract is available at https://tinyurl.com/esholdt.
Advanced wang–landau monte carlo‐based tracker for abrupt motions
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Zhou Lin , Zhao Li
Published: April 2019

Conventional tracking methods rarely consider abrupt motions and easily fail to track the abrupt motion of an object because they are based on the assumption of smooth motion. To assuage this problem, we propose a novel tracking algorithm combining the background subtraction method with the Wang–Landau Monte Carlo (WLMC) sampling method for dealing with abrupt motions effectively. First, the visual background extractor (ViBe), a background subtraction technique, is introduced to detect the object roughly. Second, we integrate the density‐of‐states term and ViBe information into a WLMC‐based tracking framework. By employing the density‐of states term and ViBe information, the Wang–Landau sampling scheme efficiently tracks the target in the whole state space in a short time. Third, in order to obtain good performance in terms of scalability, an independent fast scale estimation method is applied. Experimental results in both quantitative and qualitative measures demonstrate that our algorithm efficiently samples and tracks the target not only in position but also in scale variance accurately and robustly. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effects of regulating the European Internal Market on the integration of variable renewable energy
Authors: Algarvio Hugo , Lopes Fernando , Couto António , Santana João , Estanqueiro Ana
Published: April 2019

The new proposal for regulating the European Internal Market for Electricity (EIME) can motivate the harmonization of the various National markets. The process of harmonizing the day‐ahead markets (DAMs) is at an advanced stage, with an efficiency in the use of interconnectors of 86%. However, the harmonization of both intraday (IDMs) and balancing markets (BMs) is still in its infancy, with an efficiency in the use of interconnectors of 50 and 19%, respectively. The new proposal brings new targets to DAMs, and European countries should make efforts to comply with them. The same is true for IDMs and BMs, but involving more ambitious targets, requiring higher efforts to be accomplished. Both the analysis of the various National markets (according to their compliance with the new proposal for regulating the EIME) and the advantages of the new proposal for key market participants (particularly, consumers, variable renewable generation, and conventional generation) are presented. The analysis indicates that the proposal contributes to a potential increase of the general welfare of market participants. However, some aspects of the proposal can negatively affect the revenue obtained from the National markets, notably for variable renewable generation and conventional generation.

This article is categorized under:

Wind Power > Systems and Infrastructure

Energy Policy and Planning > Economics and Policy

Energy Systems Analysis > Economics and Policy

Energy and Development > Economics and Policy
Bifurcation analysis of the rotating axially compressed nano‐rod with imperfections
Authors: Atanacković Teodor M. , Oparnica Ljubica , Zorica Dušan
Published: April 2019

Static stability problem for axially compressed rotating nano‐rod clamped at one and free at the other end is analyzed by the use of bifurcation theory. It is obtained that the pitchfork bifurcation may be either super‐ or sub‐critical. Considering the imperfections in rod's shape and loading, it is proved that they constitute the two‐parameter universal unfolding of the problem. Numerical analysis also revealed that for non‐locality parameters having higher value than the critical one interaction curves have two branches, so that for a single critical value of angular velocity there exist two critical values of horizontal force.
Investigating the limits of rely/guarantee relations based on a concurrent garbage collector example
Authors: Jones Cliff B. , Yatapanage Nisansala
Published: April 2019

Decomposing the design (or documentation) of large systems is a practical necessity but finding
compositional
development methods for concurrent software is technically challenging. This paper includes the development of a difficult example in order to draw out lessons about such methods. The concurrent garbage collector development is interesting in several ways; in particular, the final step of its development appears to be just beyond what can be expressed by rely/guarantee relations. This prompts an exploration of the limitations of this well-known method. Although the rely/guarantee approach is used, most of the lessons are more general.
On classical n-absorbing submodules
Authors: Naji Osama A.
Published: April 2019

Let R a commutative ring with identity and M be a unitary R-module. In this paper, we investigate some properties of n-absorbing submodules of M as a generalization of 2-absorbing submodules. We also define the classical n-absorbing submodule, a proper submodule N of an R-module M is called a classical n-absorbing submodule if whenever $$a_1 a_2\ldots a_{n+1} m\in N$$

a
1

a
2

…

a

n
+
1

m
∈
N

for $$a_1, a_2,\ldots , a_{n+1}\in R$$

a
1

,

a
2

,
…
,

a

n
+
1

∈
R

and $$m \in M$$

m
∈
M

, there are n of $$a_i$$

a
i

’s whose product with m is in N. Furthermore, we give some characterizations of n-absorbing and classical n-absorbing submodules under some conditions.
Preprocessing of powder to enhance mechanical and thermal response of bulk magnesium
Authors: Tekumalla Sravya , Si Chun Lim , Gupta Manoj
Published: April 2019

This article investigates the effect of preprocessing of powders on improving the properties of pure bulk magnesium synthesized via microwave assisted powder metallurgy method. Preprocessing was done by compacting the powder prior to primary processing (cold compaction & microwave sintering) and secondary processing (hot extrusion). Various characterization studies were conducted to determine the microstructural features, temperature governed properties and mechanical properties. Results revealed that preprocessing (compaction) led to improved properties i.e. higher yield strength, better grain refinement and higher resistance to ignition.
[How] Can there be non-compliance in UK HE librarianship? Or, in defence of ‘’68, or something’: A post-conference reflection
Authors: Quinn Katherine
Published: April 2019

This paper explores differing notions and possibilities for non-compliance in UK HE librarianship. It considers the landscape of UK HE, different notions of non-compliance, and how they relate to questions of power and possibility, the individual and the collective. The author argues that in contrast to a ‘refusal of work’ definition, non-compliance can be considered softly and expansively, as everyday actions and critical reflections. In addition to collective organisation, these actions are reflected upon as vital for keeping optimism in radical, progressive change alive.
‘Following the Way of Heaven’: Exemplarism, Emulation, and Daoism
Authors: KIDD IAN JAMES
Published: April 2019

Many ancient traditions recognise certain people as exemplars of virtue, the models for the good or flourishing human life. Certain traditions, however, incorporate a cosmic mode of emulation, where the virtues are manifestations, in human form, of qualities or aspects of the ground or source of the world. I defend this claim using the sustained case study of the forms of Daoist exemplarity found in theBook of Zhuangzi, then consider the charge that the aspiration to cosmic emulation is inhumane. It emerges that there are forms of emulation where the ultimate model for the good or flourishing life as manifested by the exemplar is nothing human.
HONG KONG'S CHINESE TEMPLES ORDINANCE: A CAUTIONARY CASE STUDY OF DISCRIMINATORY AND MISGUIDED REGULATION OF RELIGIOUS FRAUD
Authors: Chen Jianlin
Published: April 2019

The Chinese Temples Ordinance was promulgated by the British colonial government in Hong Kong to address the alarming growth of “pseudo-religious establishments” exploiting the ignorant masses of uneducated Chinese residents. This article critically examines the ordinance and the 2015 proposed amendments as a case study of the potential pitfalls in state responses to religious fraud. First, this article demonstrates the discriminatory nature of the ordinance, which perceived Chinese religions as particularly prone to fraudulent practices and deserving of specific regulatory controls that are not applicable to any other religions. Tellingly, this discriminatory approach—while unconstitutional and undesirable—continues to underpin the proposed reform. Second, this article delineates the conceptual distinctions within religious fraud and the interaction dynamics between religious donors and recipients and argues that the government-sanctioned registration scheme under the ordinance is neither justified nor appropriate to address religious fraud premised on promises of divine intervention in exchange for financial contributions.
Learning from the Wood Samples in ICS, TIRI, FIRI, VIRI, and SIRI
Authors: Scott E M , Cook G T , Naysmith P , Staff R A
Published: April 2019

Each of the laboratory intercomparisons (from ICS onwards) has included wood samples, many of them dendrochronologically dated. In the early years, as a result of the majority of laboratories being radiometric, these samples were typically blocks of 20–40 rings, but more recently (SIRI), they have been single ring samples. The sample ages have spanned background through to modern. In some intercomparisons, we have examined different wood pretreatment effects, in others the focus has been on background samples. In this paper, we illustrate what we have learned from these extensive intercomparisons involving wood samples and how the results contribute to the global IntCal effort.
Egg white hydrolysate enhances insulin sensitivity in high-fat diet-induced insulin-resistant rats via Akt activation
Authors: Jahandideh F. , Zani S. C. de Campos , Son M. , Proctor S. D. , Davidge S. T. , Chan C. B. , Wu J.
Published: April 2019

Agents that block the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) improve glucoregulation in the metabolic syndrome disorder. We evaluated the effects of egg white hydrolysate (EWH), previously shown to modulate the protein abundance of RAS component in vivo, on glucose homeostasis in diet-induced insulin-resistant rats. Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks to induce insulin resistance. They were then randomly divided into four groups receiving HFD or HFD supplemented with different concentrations of EWH (1, 2 and 4 %) for another 6 weeks in the first trial. In the second trial, insulin-resistant rats were divided into two groups receiving only HFD or HFD+4 % EWH for 6 weeks. Glucose homeostasis was assessed by oral glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance tests. Insulin signalling and protein abundance of RAS components, gluconeogenesis enzymes and PPARγ were evaluated in muscle, fat and liver. Adipocyte morphology and inflammatory markers were evaluated. In vivo administration of EWH increased insulin sensitivity, improved oral glucose tolerance (P < 0·0001) and reduced systemic inflammation (P < 0·05). EWH potentiated insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation in muscle (P = 0·0341) and adipose tissue (P = 0·0276), but minimal differences in the protein abundance of tissue RAS components between the EWH and control groups were observed. EWH treatment also reduced adipocyte size (P = 0·0383) and increased PPARγ2 protein abundance (P = 0·0237). EWH treatment yielded positive effects on the inflammatory profile, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and adipocyte differentiation in HFD-induced insulin resistance rats. The involvement of local RAS activity requires further investigation.
Newly isolated intervarietal garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) progenies (F7) under north western Himalayan conditions of India
Authors: Sharma Akhilesh , Sekhon Bhallan Singh , Sharma Susheel , Kumar Ravi
Published: April 2019

Low genetic diversity acts as a major bottleneck in garden pea breeding, and diverse parents are required to generate new genetic material. The diversity of parents utilized in hybridization programme was ascertained following simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers. Thirty-six homozygous F7 progenies were isolated from three intervarietal crosses through shuttle breeding programme over a period of 6 years (2009–2014). Two experiments were conducted for two consecutive years 2014/15 and 2015/16, for evaluating the agronomic performance of progenies along with four commercial control cultivars. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that genotype, growing year and their interaction had significant effects on most of the traits. Line ‘DPP-SP-6’ recorded significantly higher pod yield/plant in comparison to all other genotypes in 2014/15, 2015/16 and for pooled over years. In addition, ‘DPP-SP-22’, ‘DPP-SP-7’ and ‘DPP-SP-17’ also performed statistically at par with best-performing check ‘Pb-89’ during both the years. These superior lines, in general, showed better pod filling, green pod colour, high shelling, sweetness and resistance to powdery mildew disease. These superior progenies could act as an alternative to the popular check varieties after their exhaustive evaluation over environments.
Three Rival Versions of Moral Reasoning: Interpreting Bonhoeffer’s Ethics of Lying, Guilt, and Responsibility
Authors: Puffer Matthew
Published: April 2019

Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s unfinished and posthumously published Ethics was intended to be his magnum opus. However, its incomplete structure and the distinct ethical approaches evident in its unfinished essays have allowed for considerable debate about its overall coherence and contours, as well as the hermeneutics appropriate to the text. This essay reconsiders prior interpretations of Bonhoeffer’s Ethics through close readings that disclose three rival versions of moral reasoning operative in three manuscripts from Bonhoeffer’s Ethics. Retracing his reasoning regarding the ethics of lying, the place of guilt, and the relation between the law of God and God’s will, I argue that Bonhoeffer’s detractors and defenders alike have misconstrued the controversial ethic of “actively embracing guilt” (Schuldübernahme). Far from the paradigmatic expression of Bonhoeffer’s Ethics, its organizing theme, or the basis for his participation in the tyrannicide plot against Hitler, Bonhoeffer’s reflection on Schuldübernahme is properly understood as an outlier—a short-lived thought experiment that he critiques and reconceives in two alternative versions of moral reasoning in later chapters.
Judean Onomastic Hermeneutics in Context
Authors: Cooley Jeffrey L.
Published: April 2019

The termVolksetymologiehas frequently been applied to the etiological passages of the Hebrew Bible and occasionally to such passages in Mesopotamian literature that explain the origin of the name of a person, place, or thing. Originating in mid- nineteenth century GermanSprachwissenschaft, the term generally assumes that the authors of such passages were possessed of a considerable philological ignorance and naïveté. These etymological narratives are thus regularly brushed aside as childish though charming. Alternatively, they are often understood as interesting aesthetic devices, related to paronomasia and punning.

It is becoming increasingly evident, however, that the activity of parsing a name is linked to broader interpretive methods employed by scribes in the ancient Near East. Indeed, our developing understanding of intellectual practices in Mesopotamia and among the Bible’s tradents has demonstrated that Babylonian and Judean scribes could employ rather sophisticated hermeneutics. This fact has significance for our evaluation of biblical etymological passages in many ways including, for example, the methods employed by ancient authors to interpret names within narratives and their motivation for doing so.