bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactive effect of leaf age and ozone on mesophyll conductance in Siebold's beech
Authors: Hoshika Yasutomo , Haworth Matthew , Watanabe Makoto , Koike Takayoshi
Published: May 2020

Mesophyll conductance (Gm) is one of the most important factors determining photosynthesis. Tropospheric ozone (O3) is known to accelerate leaf senescence and causes a decline of photosynthetic activity in leaves. However, the effects of age‐related variation of O3 on Gm have not been well investigated, and we, therefore, analysed leaf gas exchange data in a free‐air O3 exposure experiment on Siebold's beech with two levels (ambient and elevated O3: 28 and 62 nmol mol−1 as daylight average, respectively). In addition, we examined whether O3‐induced changes on leaf morphology (leaf mass per area, leaf density and leaf thickness) may affect CO2 diffusion inside leaves. We found that O3 damaged the photosynthetic biochemistry progressively during the growing season. The Gm was associated with a reduced photosynthesis in O3‐fumigated Siebold's beech in August. The O3‐induced reduction of Gm was negatively correlated with leaf density, which was increased by elevated O3, suggesting that the reduction of Gm was accompanied by changes in the physical structure of mesophyll cells. On the other hand, in October, the O3‐induced decrease of Gm was diminished because Gm decreased due to leaf senescence regardless of O3 treatment. The reduction of photosynthesis in senescent leaves after O3 exposure was mainly due to a decrease of maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax) and/or maximum electron transport rate (Jmax) rather than diffusive limitations to CO2 transport such as Gm. A leaf age×O3 interaction of photosynthetic response will be a key for modelling photosynthesis in O3‐polluted environments.
Appropriability mechanisms for manufacturing and service firms: the contingencies of openness and knowledge intensity
Authors: Yacoub Ghassan , Storey Chris , Haefliger Stefan
Published: May 2020

Conventional wisdom argues that appropriating returns from innovation requires protection mechanisms. However, there will be limits to the effectiveness of formal and informal appropriability mechanisms for innovation performance. Their effectiveness will be contingent on the nature of the knowledge that firms are trying to protect and the openness of their innovation strategy (sharing knowledge while attempting to protect knowledge is known as the ‘paradox of openness’). Do these boundary conditions apply to both manufacturing and service firms equally though? Analyzing data from the UK Community Innovation Survey, this study provides evidence for a continuum – from discrete product manufacturing firms, whose products rely heavily on codified, explicit knowledge and for which formal methods are strongly associated with innovation performance, to knowledge‐intensive service firms, which tend to rely more on complex tacit knowledge and for which innovation is linked to informal, not formal, appropriability. The findings show that the paradox of openness is a limited problem for service firms. The benefits of collaboration for innovation performance outweigh any reduction in the effectiveness of appropriability. For manufacturers, the benefits of collaboration disappear with high formal appropriability, and thus, discrete product manufacturers, contrary to conventional wisdom, may find it beneficial to reduce collaboration breadth and invest in informal appropriability mechanisms. Knowledge‐intensive servitized manufacturers find formal methods effective but only with no or minimal collaboration.
Influence of speaker's gender on speaker introductions at the 2018 ACVS Surgical Summit
Authors: Boston Sarah E , Hayes Galina , Colopy Sara A , Kennedy Katie C , Skinner Owen T , Boylan Matthew T , Sumner Julia P , Kirpensteijn Jolle , James Frances M
Published: May 2020

Objective

To evaluate whether formality of introduction differed between male vs female speakers at the 2018 American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) scientific meeting and identify other variables that predisposed introducers or chairs to informal introduction.

Study design

Observational study.

Sample population

Thirteen session chairs introducing 68 lectures (41 by females, 27 by males) by 63 speakers.

Methods

Observers recorded the session introducer, speaker, and whether speakers were introduced with a formal or informal title. Information evaluated included type of oral presentation; introducer gender, year, and country of graduation from veterinary school; speaker gender; whether the speaker was a resident; and speaker's year of graduation.

Results

Female speakers were introduced by their first name in 9 of 41 introductions compared to in 1 of 27 introductions for male speakers. This difference reached statistical significance when data independence was assumed (P = .043); however, this significance was narrowly lost when data clustering on session introducer was controlled for (P = .067).

Conclusion

In this study, female speakers were more likely than male speakers to be introduced by their first and last names rather than with their professional title at a recent ACVS scientific meeting.

Impact: Additional research is required to determine the effect of this type of subordinate language and gender bias in veterinary surgery.
Repeated stretch–shortening contraction of the triceps surae attenuates muscle atrophy and liver dysfunction in a rat model of inflammation
Authors: Sumi Koichiro , Ashida Kinya , Nakazato Koichi
Published: May 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Is stretch–shortening contraction effective to attenuate skeletal muscle atrophy and hepatic dysfunction in a rat model of peptidoglycan–polysaccharide (PG‐PS)‐induced inflammation (PG‐PS rat)?

What are the main findings and their importance?

Stretch–shortening contraction attenuates skeletal muscle atrophy in the trained leg and increases circulating interleukin‐10 in PG‐PS rats. Stretch–shortening contraction also ameliorates liver dysfunction in PG‐PS rats, possibly via increased blood interleukin‐10. These findings are important because they suggest that stretch–shortening contraction is effective to maintain liver function in addition to exercised skeletal muscle mass.

Stretch–shortening contraction (SSC) is an effective modality to improve skeletal muscle mass. However, the beneficial effects of SSC in the presence of chronic inflammation remain unclear. Here, we imposed five SSC sessions unilaterally on the triceps surae in young female Lewis rats. Rats were injected with vehicle or peptidoglycan–polysaccharide (PG‐PS) to induce long‐lasting inflammation. The PG‐PS reduced gastrocnemius muscle mass in both legs, but that of the SSC‐trained leg was significantly greater than that of the contralateral leg. Circulating pro‐inflammatory cytokines, such as IL‐1β, were significantly increased by PG‐PS injection, even if carrying out SSC. The circulating anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 increased with SSC in both healthy and inflammatory conditions. Stretch–shortening contraction also prevented increases in serum aspartate aminotransferase activity and plasma free phenylalanine concentration induced by PG‐PS, in comparison to the control resistance exercise consisting of isometric contractions. Moreover, aspartate aminotransferase and phenylalanine concentrations demonstrated a significant and negative correlation with IL‐10/IL‐1β values (r = −0.61, P = 0.017, and r = −0.66, P = 0.008, respectively). These results suggest that SSC training is effective to reduce both muscle atrophy and the hepatic dysfunction induced by PG‐PS, mediated, at least in part, through an increase in circulating IL‐10.
Plasmodium falciparum Isolates Carrying
pf
k13 Polymorphisms Harbor the SVMNT Allele of
pfcrt
in Northwestern Indonesia
Authors: Lubis Inke N. D. , Wijaya Hendri , Lubis Munar , Lubis Chairuddin P. , Beshir Khalid B. , Sutherland Colin J.
Published: May 2020

Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is the first-line antimalarial regimen in Indonesia. Susceptibility of
Plasmodium falciparum
to artemisinin is falling in the Greater Mekong subregion, but it is not known whether the efficacy of current combinations is also threatened in nearby Sumatera. We evaluated the genetic loci
pfcrt, pfmdr1
, and
pfk13
, considered to be under selection by artemisinin combination therapy, among 404
P. falciparum
infections identified by PCR detection in a cross-sectional survey of 3,731 residents of three regencies.
Interactions of GMP with Human Glrx3 and with Saccharomyces cerevisiae Grx3 and Grx4 Converge in the Regulation of the Gcn2 Pathway
Authors: Mechoud Mónica A. , Pujol-Carrion Nuria , Montella-Manuel Sandra , de la Torre-Ruiz Maria Angeles
Published: May 2020

Saccharomyces cerevisiae
is an optimal eukaryotic microbial model to study biological processes in higher organisms despite the divergence in evolution. The molecular function of yeast glutaredoxins Grx3 and Grx4 is enormously interesting, since both proteins are required to maintain correct iron homeostasis and an efficient response to oxidative stress. The human orthologous Glrx3 (PICOT) is involved in a number of human diseases, including cancer. Our research expanded its utility to human cells. Yeast has allowed the characterization of GMP synthase as a new interacting partner for Glrx3 and also for yeast Grx3 and Grx4, the complex monothiol glutaredoxins/GMPs that participate in the downregulation of the activity of the Gcn2 stress pathway. This mechanism is conserved in yeast and humans. Here, we also show that this family of glutaredoxins, Grx3/Grx4/Glrx3, also has a function related to life extension.
The mRNA Cap 2′-
O
-Methyltransferase CMTR1 Regulates the Expression of Certain Interferon-Stimulated Genes
Authors: Williams Graham D. , Gokhale Nandan S. , Snider Daltry L. , Horner Stacy M.
Published: May 2020

Induction of an efficient type I IFN response is important to control viral infection. We show that the host 2′-
O
-methyltransferase CMTR1 facilitates the protein expression of ISGs in human cells by preventing IFIT1 from inhibiting the translation of those mRNAs lacking cap 2′-
O
-methylation. Thus, CMTR1 promotes the IFN-mediated antiviral response.
Santa Cruz Island field trip: Geology, history, and research opportunities
Authors: Davis* Thomas L. , Behl† Richard J. , O’Sullivan† Katie M. , Raskin Sarah , Bryne Stephen
Published: May 2020

This field trip provides a rare opportunity to visit outcrops and structures that highlight the geology, history, and natural beauty of Santa Cruz Island, a remnant of prehistoric California isolated off Santa Barbara. Santa Cruz Island provides some of the most southwestward positioned subaerial outcrops of the North American landmass, while displaying a rare glimpse of prehistoric coastal southern California and picturesque and seldom accessible exposures of Tertiary strata. Most of the stops are difficult to reach and many are closed to public access. Stops 1, 9, 9B, 9C, 13, and 13B are within the Channel Islands National Park, and access to the park portion of the island is by public boat transport (Island Packers) from Ventura Harbor to Prisoners Harbor. Stop 1 is near the pier at Prisoners Harbor and easily accessible; however, the other stops require roundtrip hikes of at least 10 miles from the pier. One of the goals of this four-day trip is to visit as much of the island’s varied geology as possible. A significant body of widely recognized geologic research has been done on the island from late Quaternary sea-level and climate changes to the tectonic evolution of the western North American plate boundary, and in particular the transformation of a subduction to transform plate boundary along a continental margin. Discovery that SCI and the western Transverse Ranges have rotated ~90° clockwise since the early Miocene (Kamerling and Luyendyk, 1979, 1985; Luyendyk et al., 1980) brought on an intense period of research on the island from the late 1970s through the 1990s. Much of this work has been published in both the formal and informal literature. Two decades later, this field trip is an opportunity to review much of these additions to geologic understanding with the advantage of gains in knowledge since then. The guide will emphasize each stop’s importance, offer questions for future research, and showcase the island’s earth science educational opportunities. This four-day trip requires 4WD vehicles and includes some 3–6 km (~2–4 mile) hikes.
Onset of permanent Taklimakan Desert linked to the mid-Pleistocene transition
Authors: Liu Weiguo , Liu Zhonghui , Sun Jimin , Song Chunhui , Chang Hong , Wang Huanye , Wang Zheng , An Zhisheng
Published: May 2020

The initial occurrence of desert landscape or eolian sand dunes is thought to have occurred long before the Pleistocene, and desertification was subsequently enhanced under cold, dusty glacial conditions. However, when and how the desert landscape persisted during both glacial and interglacial periods, defined as “permanent” desert here, remain elusive. Here, we present carbonate carbon isotope and grain-size records from the Tarim Basin, western China, revealing a detailed desertification history for the Taklimakan Desert. Our records demonstrate that after desiccation of episodic lakes at ca. 4.9 Ma, alternations of eolian sand dunes and fluvial and playa-like conditions persisted for a long period until 0.7 Ma in the Tarim Basin. The onset of permanent desert landscape around 0.7–0.5 Ma occurred concurrently with the climatic reorganization across the mid-Pleistocene transition. The occurrence of mountain glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau and atmospheric circulation changes may have controlled the formation and extreme aridification of the permanent desert in inland Asia since the mid-Pleistocene transition.
Androgens In Men Study (AIMS): protocol for meta-analyses of individual participant data investigating associations of androgens with health outcomes in men
Authors: Yeap Bu Beng , Marriott Ross James , Adams Robert J , Antonio Leen , Ballantyne Christie M , Bhasin Shalender , Cawthon Peggy M , Couper David John , Dobs Adrian S , Flicker Leon , Karlsson Magnus , Martin Sean A , Matsumoto Alvin M , Mellström Dan , Norman Paul E , Ohlsson Claes , Orwoll Eric S , O'Neill Terence W , Shores Molly M , Travison Thomas G , Vanderschueren Dirk , Wittert Gary A , Wu Frederick C W , Murray Kevin
Published: May 2020

Introduction

This study aims to clarify the role(s) of endogenous sex hormones to influence health outcomes in men, specifically to define the associations of plasma testosterone with incidence of cardiovascular events, cancer, dementia and mortality risk, and to identify factors predicting testosterone concentrations. Data will be accrued from at least three Australian, two European and four North American population-based cohorts involving approximately 20 000 men.

Methods and analysis

Eligible studies include prospective cohort studies with baseline testosterone concentrations measured using mass spectrometry and 5 years of follow-up data on incident cardiovascular events, mortality, cancer diagnoses or deaths, new-onset dementia or decline in cognitive function recorded. Data for men, who were not taking androgens or drugs suppressing testosterone production, metabolism or action; and had no prior orchidectomy, are eligible. Systematic literature searches were conducted from 14 June 2019 to 31 December 2019, with no date range set for searches. Aggregate level data will be sought where individual participant data (IPD) are not available. One-stage IPD random-effects meta-analyses will be performed, using linear mixed models, generalised linear mixed models and either stratified or frailty-augmented Cox regression models. Heterogeneity in estimates from different studies will be quantified and bias investigated using funnel plots. Effect size estimates will be presented in forest plots and non-negligible heterogeneity and bias investigated using subgroup or meta-regression analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approvals obtained for each of the participating cohorts state that participants have consented to have their data collected and used for research purposes. The Androgens In Men Study has been assessed as exempt from ethics review by the Human Ethics office at the University of Western Australia (file reference number RA/4/20/5014). Each of the component studies had obtained ethics approvals; please refer to respective component studies for details. Research findings will be disseminated to the scientific and broader community via the publication of four research articles, with each involving a separate set of IPD meta-analyses (articles will investigate different, distinct outcomes), at scientific conferences and meetings of relevant professional societies. Collaborating cohort studies will disseminate findings to study participants and local communities.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019139668.
Challenges of early renal cancer detection: symptom patterns and incidental diagnosis rate in a multicentre prospective UK cohort of patients presenting with suspected renal cancer
Authors: Vasudev Naveen S , Wilson Michelle , Stewart Grant D , Adeyoju Adebanji , Cartledge Jon , Kimuli Michael , Datta Shibendra , Hanbury Damian , Hrouda David , Oades Grenville , Patel Poulam , Soomro Naeem , Sullivan Mark , Webster Jeff , Selby Peter J , Banks Rosamonde E
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To describe the frequency and nature of symptoms in patients presenting with suspected renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and examine their reliability in achieving early diagnosis.

Design

Multicentre prospective observational cohort study.

Setting and participants

Eleven UK centres recruiting patients presenting with suspected newly diagnosed RCC. Symptoms reported by patients were recorded and reviewed. Comprehensive clinico-pathological and outcome data were also collected.

Outcomes

Type and frequency of reported symptoms, incidental diagnosis rate, metastasis-free survival and cancer-specific survival.

Results

Of 706 patients recruited between 2011 and 2014, 608 patients with a confirmed RCC formed the primary study population. The majority (60%) of patients were diagnosed incidentally. 87% of patients with stage Ia and 36% with stage III or IV disease presented incidentally. Visible haematuria was reported in 23% of patients and was commonly associated with advanced disease (49% had stage III or IV disease). Symptomatic presentation was associated with poorer outcomes, likely reflecting the presence of higher stage disease. Symptom patterns among the 54 patients subsequently found to have a benign renal mass were similar to those with a confirmed RCC.

Conclusions

Raising public awareness of RCC-related symptoms as a strategy to improve early detection rates is limited by the fact that related symptoms are relatively uncommon and often associated with advanced disease. Greater attention must be paid to the feasibility of screening strategies and the identification of circulating diagnostic biomarkers.
Off-label drugs in palliative care: a Group Delphi treatment recommendation process
Authors: Remi Constanze , Weingärtner Kathrin , Hagemann Vera , Bausewein Claudia , Hodiamont Farina
Published: May 2020

Objectives

The use of drugs beyond their marketing authorisation, that is, off-label use, is common practice in palliative care with over 70% of off-label use having little or no scientific support. The lack of evidence makes recommendations for off-label use essential, in order to increase the safety of drug therapy and thus patient safety. The aim of this study was to develop a guide for preparing and consenting drug-specific recommendations for off-label use in palliative care.

Methods

Group Delphi Study with three rounds and a prior online survey to identify topics of dissent. Participants represented professional groups working in palliative care involved in direct patient care and/or drug management and various care settings. Furthermore, representatives of relevant professional associations, experts with academic, non-clinical background and experts with international expertise were invited.

Results

18/20 invited professionals participated in the prior online-survey. 15 experts participated in the Group Delphi process. Six domains, including identification of drugs, drug uses, assessment of evidence, formulation, consensus and updating of recommendations were generated and respective statements were included in the Group Delphi process. The consensus process resulted in 28 statements forming the guide for recommendations.

Conclusions

The resultant systematic approach for preparing and consenting drug-specific recommendations for off-label use will allow the development of recommendations with transparent and reproducible monographs. This will help to increase treatment quality and patient safety as well as security of decision-making in palliative care. The developed guide is part of a larger project aiming to provide therapy recommendations for areas that have little or no scientific evidence.
Fermion tunneling, instability, and first law of Rindler modified Schwarzschild black hole as a thermodynamic system
Authors: Mirekhtiary S. Fatemeh , Sakalli I. , Bashiry V.
Published: May 2020

This study investigated quantum tunneling of spin-half particles through the event horizon of a Rindler modified Schwarzschild black hole (RMSBH) in the presence of quintessence matter. We analyzed the thermodynamics of RMSBH in Kiselev coordinates. In particular, we explore the RMSBH’s entropy and thermal stability. We showed that RMSBH serves as an unstable system, causing fluctuations. The integral formulation of the first law of RMSBH in the absence of a cosmological constant was also represented. By using the first law, we have studied the Ruppeiner geometry for Rindler acceleration and pressure with fixed ensembles.
Influence of sustainability reports on social and environmental issues: bibliometric analysis and the word cloud approach
Authors: Kulevicz Rosane Aparecida , Porfirio Grasiela Edith de Oliveira , de Oliveira Ozeni Souza , Zavala Zavala Arturo Alejandro , Silva Benedito Albuquerque da , Constantino Michel
Published: May 2020

The aim of the present study is to analyze how corporate sustainability reports address socio-environmental issues and business development through bibliometric analysis. The search led to 53 articles indexed in the ScienceDirect database between 2012 and 2017. A bibliometric analysis was applied to sustainability reports and to several topics, namely: “sustainability report” (SR) and “corporate sustainability” (CS), triple bottom line (TBL), eco-innovation in business (ECO), and “global reporting initiative” (GRI). The word cloud approach was applied to each keyword in the quantitative analysis. Annual publication frequency was applied to identify the year accounting for the largest number of publications. The target of the descriptive analysis applied to the sample was determined; it consists in metrically determining the frequency of each variable. The inferential analysis compared the means recorded for the subsets of the sample; it is a technique commonly used to investigate data. Friedman’s test was used to compare the behavior of the research groups. The keywords sustainability, business, reporting, environment, social, and performance were found. These words appeared in most of the analyzed articles; they represented the conceptual core of each topic involved in the “sustainability report” (SR). Based on the selected articles, companies surveyed over the years have incorporated sustainability concepts into their strategic planning to ensure the satisfaction and needs of future generations. The disclosure of information available in sustainability reports has become a marketing instrument that may clearly provide evidence of business activities or inactivity.
Development of an end-effector system for autonomous spraying applications and radiation surveying
Authors: Guy Travis N. , Nokleby Scott B.
Published: May 2020

This paper presents the design and testing of a scale proof-of-concept prototype robotic end-effector system for autonomous robotic shotcrete application and radiation surveying in underground uranium mining environments. The system presented consists of two functionally distinct prototype tools that achieve the independent tasks of autonomous robotic spray pattern control and surface radiation surveying. The first prototype tool presented is a novel, robotic shotcrete spraying tool that is capable of autonomously maintaining and adjusting its circular spray pattern diameter on target surfaces in response to changes in target surface distance. Control algorithms are presented that give the robotic shotcrete spraying tool the capability to produce advanced figure eight and spiral spraying patterns for surface preparation applications that involve spot filling deep surface cracks and pockets. Physical testing of the prototype tool empirically verified its ability to maintain circular spray pattern diameters at various target distances and demonstrated the application potential of the advanced figure eight and spiral spraying patterns. The second prototype tool presented is a Geiger–Müller tube-based radiation detection tool that uses lead shielding and a single-hole collimator in combination with precise robotic positioning to capture localized radiation measurements of surfaces within radiation-rich environments. Physical testing of the prototype tool demonstrated its ability to create radiation survey profiles that distinctly characterized the radiological profile of test target surfaces embedded with various radioactive sources.
Neurolight: A Deep Learning Neural Interface for Cortical Visual Prostheses
Authors: Lozano Antonio , Suárez Juan Sebastián , Soto-Sánchez Cristina , Garrigós Javier , Martínez-Alvarez J. Javier , Ferrández J. Manuel , Fernández Eduardo
Published: May 2020

Visual neuroprosthesis, that provide electrical stimulation along several sites of the human visual system, constitute a potential tool for vision restoration for the blind. Scientific and technological progress in the fields of neural engineering and artificial vision comes with new theories and tools that, along with the dawn of modern artificial intelligence, constitute a promising framework for the further development of neurotechnology. In the framework of the development of a Cortical Visual Neuroprosthesis for the blind (CORTIVIS), we are now facing the challenge of developing not only computationally powerful tools and flexible approaches that will allow us to provide some degree of functional vision to individuals who are profoundly blind. In this work, we propose a general neuroprosthesis framework composed of several task-oriented and visual encoding modules. We address the development and implementation of computational models of the firing rates of retinal ganglion cells and design a tool — Neurolight — that allows these models to be interfaced with intracortical microelectrodes in order to create electrical stimulation patterns that can evoke useful perceptions. In addition, the developed framework allows the deployment of a diverse array of state-of-the-art deep-learning techniques for task-oriented and general image pre-processing, such as semantic segmentation and object detection in our system’s pipeline. To the best of our knowledge, this constitutes the first deep-learning-based system designed to directly interface with the visual brain through an intracortical microelectrode array. We implement the complete pipeline, from obtaining a video stream to developing and deploying task-oriented deep-learning models and predictive models of retinal ganglion cells’ encoding of visual inputs under the control of a neurostimulation device able to send electrical train pulses to a microelectrode array implanted at the visual cortex.
THE ETHICS AND POLITICS OF HUMAN SERVICE TECHNOLOGY: THE CASE OF PREDICTIVE RISK MODELING IN NEW ZEALAND'S CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEM
Authors: BALLANTYNE NEIL
Published: May 2020

This article reviews the political and ethical dimensions of technology applications in social work by focusing on a descriptive case study. The case study is of an initiative undertaken by the New Zealand government between 2011 and 2015 to develop an algorithm that would allow child protection services to predict future child maltreatment at the point of birth and to pre-empt it before it occurs. The paper explores the new threats to human rights and social justice associated with the rise of algorithmic governance and explores the sources of algorithmic injustice. It also outlines some of the key ethical issues and political challenges associated with algorithmic governance.
USING OBSERVATION AS METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION TO ENHANCE EMPATHY AND CRITICAL REFLECTION AMONGST STUDENTS OF SOCIAL WORK
Authors: SHARMA SEEMA
Published: May 2020

Social work research is an important part of social work practice. It adds to the knowledge base of the profession, facilitates understanding of the challenges facing society and encourages researchers to find solutions to these challenges. The focus of qualitative research in social work in India has likewise been generating and adding to the knowledge base of the profession. More specifically, qualitative methods of data collection have not been interrogated from the perspective of their potential to enhance competencies such as empathy and critical reflection amongst the students of social work. This paper examines the possibility of using observation, a method of data collection in qualitative research, to enhance empathy and critical reflection amongst students of social work. The paper is based on the outcomes of an assignment on observation given to second semester postgraduate students of social work in the Department of Social Work, University of Delhi, India. The assignment required the students to take on the role of marginalized members of society and use observation as a method in the field to record the responses of the generalized others towards them. The assignment also encouraged the students to reflect on their reactions and responses to the behavior of people towards them when they performed the specific roles. The outcome of the assignment points towards the possibility of using practical training in observation as a method of data collection in facilitating empathetic understanding and critical reflection amongst students, when used in conjunction with role-taking.
THE IMPORTANCE OF DIVERSITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE IN BSW PROGRAMS: IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL WORK EDUCATION IN THE U.S.
Authors: HIGHTOWER LAMART , JOHNSON KARL ERIK
Published: May 2020

The Council on Social Work Education's (CSWE) instruction on diversity and social justice is central to the mission of social work education. The population of the United States has become more diverse and social work education has a pressing need to ensure students understand how diversity and social justice issues shape human experiences. Little research has systematically examined Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs in that regard. This paper examines correlations among demographic characteristics and program directors' impressions on teaching diversity and social justice in the United States' (BSW) programs. Using Qualtrics, a web-based survey tool, 36 program directors responded to a 47-item instrument composed of both closed and open-ended questions. Content analysis of the data was conducted with the assistance of Nvivo 12 to identify themes and nodes. However, due to inadequate information from the program directors, the open-ended questions were analyzed using thematic analysis. Emergent themes primarily pertained to implicit and explicit curricula. A central finding from the data was that there was variation in the way schools approached instruction regarding diversity and social justice assessment. The study raises questions for continued research and may have implications for the role of accrediting organizations in offering guidelines for diversity and social justice instruction and assessment.
Internal coalgebras in cocomplete categories: Generalizing the Eilenberg–Watts theorem
Authors: Poinsot Laurent , Porst Hans E.
Published: May 2020

The category of internal coalgebras in a cocomplete category [Formula: see text] with respect to a variety [Formula: see text] is equivalent to the category of left adjoint functors from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]. This can be seen best when considering such coalgebras as finite coproduct preserving functors from [Formula: see text], the dual of the Lawvere theory of [Formula: see text], into [Formula: see text]: coalgebras are restrictions of left adjoints and any such left adjoint is the left Kan extension of a coalgebra along the embedding of [Formula: see text] into [Formula: see text]. Since [Formula: see text]-coalgebras in the variety [Formula: see text] for rings [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are nothing but left [Formula: see text]-, right [Formula: see text]-bimodules, the equivalence above generalizes the Eilenberg–Watts theorem and all its previous generalizations. By generalizing and strengthening Bergman’s completeness result for categories of internal coalgebras in varieties, we also prove that the category of coalgebras in a locally presentable category [Formula: see text] is locally presentable and comonadic over [Formula: see text] and, hence, complete in particular. We show, moreover, that Freyd’s canonical constructions of internal coalgebras in a variety define left adjoint functors. Special instances of the respective right adjoints appear in various algebraic contexts and, in the case where [Formula: see text] is a commutative variety, are coreflectors from the category [Formula: see text] into [Formula: see text].
Congruences on infinite semigroups of transformations preserving a zig-zag order
Authors: Lohapan Laddawan , Koppitz Jörg , Worawiset Somnuek
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this paper is the study of congruences on semigroups of transformations on a countably infinite fence. We consider the monoid [Formula: see text] of all full transformations on the set [Formula: see text] of all natural numbers preserving the zig-zag order on [Formula: see text], as well as the monoid [Formula: see text] of all idempotent transformations in [Formula: see text] additionally preserving the usual linear order on [Formula: see text] We show that there are uncountably many congruences on [Formula: see text] and determine seven maximal congruences on [Formula: see text] which are all the maximal congruences containing a particular congruence on [Formula: see text] Moreover, we characterize all congruences on the monoid of all transformations in [Formula: see text] with infinite rank. For the semigroup of all transformations in [Formula: see text] with finite rank, we determine the Rees congruences.
Towards Measuring the Economic Impact of Open Data by Innovating and Doing Business
Authors: Alderete María Verónica
Published: May 2020

This paper provides some evidence about the impact open data has in the economic landscape, and therefore, contributes to the limited evidence in this subject. From a panel data corresponding to the period of 2014–2017 and a sample of 27 open data leader countries, the incidence of open data on the economic field is examined. The dependent variable, economic impact, is a latent variable based on innovation and doing business indicators. Results obtained show there is a significant and positive effect of open data, ICT development and income per capita on the economic impact.
Layered, 2D MnPS3: UV Photodetectors and Humidity Sensors
Authors: Kumar Rajat , Naidu Ramesh , Austeria Muthu P , Sampath Srinivasan
Published: May 2020

Two dimensional, layered metal thiophosphates with general formula, MPX3 (M is metal and X is a chalcogen atom) have been emerging as a new class of tunable band gap semiconductors. In this family, manganese phosphosulphide (MnPS3) is a p-type semiconductor with a large band gap of 3.0 eV and hence is a good candidate for UV light detection. In the present study, highly oriented, large-sized crystals have been grown by chemical vapour transport technique with iodine as the transport agent. Field effect transistors based on bulk and few-layer MnPS3 have been fabricated by exfoliating the crystals on Si/SiO2 substrates. Electrical characteristics reveal p-type behaviour with current on-off ratio of ~103 under ambient conditions. The transistor devices are responsive to ultraviolet light with photoresponstivity of 288AW-1 at a wavelength of 365 nm. Fairly high photo gain value of 860 is achieved. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal various parameters that are responsible for the observed p-type conduction observed in electrical transport studies.

The MnPS3 semiconductors show very good humidity sensing behaviour. Liquid exfoliation technique has been used to exfoliate the bulk crystals into few-layer 2D MnPS3. Very stable, few layer colloids of MnPS3 is vacuum filtered and the membrane is transferred on to interdigitated electrodes to form the sensing device. The results revealed that the conductivity of the films increases five to six orders of magnitude with a change in relative humidity (RH) from 0% to 98%. A fast response and recovery time of ~1-2 s and ~ 4 s are observed respectively. AC impedance spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy techniques are utilized to understand the sensing mechanism. Further, the sensor has been shown to monitor human breath and water evaporation from skin without any physical contact.

References

1. R. Kumar, R. N. Jenjeti, M. P. Austeria and S. Sampath, J. Mater. Chem. C 2019, 7 (2), 324.

2. R. Kumar, R. N. Jenjeti and S. Sampath, Adv. Mater. Inter. 2019, 6(20), 1900666.
Passivation of Defects in Macroscopic Graphene Sheets Via Selective Atomic Layer Deposition of Metal Oxides
Authors: Mazza Michael F. , Thompson Annelise C. , Cabán-Acevedo Miguel , Lewis Nathan S
Published: May 2020

Graphene, with its high conductivity, specific surface area, and overall chemical inertness, has been heavily researched for applications in batteries, supercapacitors, and water-splitting devices. While graphene films can be synthesized over large areas (>1 cm2) through chemical vapor deposition, graphene generated through this route exhibits a high defect density that can inhibit performance and stability in electrochemical systems. Considerable effort has been devoted to passivating, repairing, and remediating these defects for graphene-based devices to match their theoretical potential.

To this end, we have developed new atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes designed to selectively passivate high energy defect sites with metal oxides. This deposition chemistry targets dangling bonds and oxidized regions on the graphene sheet based on their higher reactivity relative to the pristine basal plane. We have also demonstrated analogous chemistry on bulk highly-ordered pyrolytic graphite as well as exfoliated few-layer graphene. The efficacy of the deposition process was examined as a function of precursor dose and temperature. The selectivity of this process and metal-oxide layer thicknesses was assessed using several electron microscopy techniques. This work further illustrates an effective scheme to ameliorate the interfacial chemistry of large-area graphene and demonstrate how targeted passivation can improve device performance.
Molybdenum Disulfides and Diselenides By Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Sopha Hanna , Zazpe Raul , Prikryl Jan , Krbal Milos , Ng Siowwoon , Bures Filip , Macak Jan M.
Published: May 2020

The success of graphene opened a door for a new class of chalcogenide materials with unique properties that can be applied in the semiconductor technology [1]. Monolayers of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDCs) possess a direct band gap [2] that is crucial for optoelectronic applications. Additionally, the direct band gap can be easily tuned by either chemical composition or external stimuli. Next to the optoelectronic applications, where a monolayer planar structure is necessary to employ, a layer of standing flakes, which possesses a large surface area, can be used for hydrogen evolution [3] a photodegradation of organic dyes [4] or as electrodes in Li ion batteries [5].

In principle, TMDCs can be prepared by various top-down (e.g. exfoliation) and bottom-up techniques, such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD) growth techniques [1]. MoS2, a typical representative of TMDCs, has been widely studied for many applications. Recently, the possibility to employ ALD as a technique to grow MoS2 has been reported. In these works (CH3)2S2 [6] or H2S [7, 8] were used as the S precursor and Mo(CO)6 [6], MoCl5 [7] or Mo(thd)3 [8] as the Mo precursors. From the practical point of view, MoSe2 is even more interesting than MoS2 since MoSe2 possesses a higher electrical conductivity than MoS2 [9, 10]. Recently, we have shown that ALD deposition of MoSe2 [11] or Mo-O-Se [12] using ((CH3)3Si)2Se as the Se precursor and the MoCl5 or Mo(CO)6, respectively, as the Mo precursors is feasible.

The presentation will focus on the synthesis of MoS2 and MoSe2 by ALD, their characterization and applications in various fields. Experimental details and some recent results for photocatalytic, battery and hydrogen evolution applications will be presented and discussed.

References:

[1] A. V. Kolobov, J. Tominaga, Two-Dimensional Transition-Metal, Dichalcogenides. Springer Series in Materials Science, Springer International Publishing AG, Switzerland 2016

[2] B. Radisavljevic, A. Radenovic, J. Brivio, V. Giacometti, A. Kis, Nat. Nanotechnol. 2011, 6, 147.

[3] L. Wang, Z. Sofer, J. Luxa, M. Pumera, Adv. Mater. Interfaces
2015, 2, 1500041

[4] Y. Wu, M. Xu, X. Chen, S. Yang, H. Wu, J. Pan, X. Xiong, Nanoscale
2016, 8, 440

[5] D. Ilic, K. Wiesener, W. Schneider, H. Oppermann, G. Krabbes, J.Power Sources
1985, 14, 223

[6] Z. Jin, S.Shin,D.H.Kwon, S. J.Han,Y. S.Min,Nanoscale
2014, 6, 14453.

[7] L. K. Tan, B. Liu, J. H. Teng, S. Guo, H. Y. Low, K. P. Loh, Nanoscale
2014, 6, 10584

[8] M. Mattinen et al., Adv. Mater. Interfaces
2017, 4, 1700123.

[9] D. Kong, H. Wang, J. J. Cha, M. Pasta, K. J. Koski, J. Yao, Y. Cui, Nano Lett. 2013, 13, 1341.

[10] A. Eftekhari, Appl. Mater. Today
2017, 8.

[11] M. Krbal et al., Phys. Stat. Sol. RRL,
2018, 12, 1800023

[12] S. Ng et al., Adv. Mater. Interfaces
2017, 1701146.
The Role of Monolayer/Multilayer Homojunctions for Photoinduced Charge Generation in Metal Chalcogenide Heterostructures
Authors: Sulas-Kern Dana B , Zhang Hanyu , Li Zhaodong , Blackburn Jeffrey L.
Published: May 2020

Increasing the lifetimes of photoexcited charge carriers in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D-TMDCs) is an important goal for realizing efficient TMDC-based optoelectronic and photoelectrochemical devices. However, the path toward sustaining sufficiently long-lived carriers in high yields is not yet well defined. A promising strategy for overcoming ultrafast decay of the tightly bound excitons inherent to these materials is charge separation using energy level offsets at heterojunction interfaces. For example, in this study we separate charge using a model Type-II heterojunction with single-walled carbon nanotubes as the electron donor and MoS2 as the acceptor. This system can sustain charge past 10 µs (orders of magnitude longer than other reported TMDC-based heterojunctions), but the carrier kinetics vary depending on the TMDC microstructure. In particular, we observe longer-lived charge carriers in monolayer TMDCs containing a small fraction of multilayer islands. This highlights the challenge of optimizing TMDC-based heterostructures while TMDC synthetic methods are still developing, where chemical or structural (i.e. thickness) variations are often evident across neat TMDC substrates. Although obtaining TMDC thickness uniformity across wafer scales is a highly sought-after goal, here we propose that a small fraction of multilayer sites can be beneficial for extending carrier lifetimes. We discuss the photophysical processes that occur at monolayer/multilayer TMDC homojunctions, and we present transient absorption data where we use well-defined carbon nanotube spectral signatures to quantify carrier generation in various monolayer-only or monolayer-rich TMDC heterostructures. Our results provide valuable insight for understanding the role of thickness variation in TMDC dynamic photophysical processes.
Direct Measurement of Absolute Seebeck Coefficient Using Graphene As a Zero Coefficient Reference
Authors: Gagnon Philippe , Tie Monique , Lévesque Pierre , Biron Maxime , Cardin-St-Antoine Benoit , Desjardins Patrick , Martel Richard
Published: May 2020

With increasing interest in thermoelectrics for energy applications, determining the thermoelectric power (also known as the Seebeck coefficient) is critical for the characterization and optimization of thermoelectric materials. Obtaining the absolute Seebeck coefficient, however, is difficult due to induced response in the probes contributing to the observed Seebeck effect. Current methods for obtaining the absolute Seebeck coefficient require using a reference material as probes and: estimating it via the Thomson effect, or measuring it directly using a superconductor as a zero coefficient reference. These methods are either cumbersome or are limited to low temperatures, respectively. Graphene, like superconductors, has a zero absolute Seebeck coefficient at the dirac point; additionally, it offers many advantages over superconductors as a reference material as it is stable over a wider range of temperatures and conditions. In this work, we use graphene as a zero coefficient reference to obtain direct measurements of the absolute Seebeck coefficient of five different materials (Au, W, Mo, chromel and constantan) from 250 K to 390 K, and compare to known results with good agreement. Here, we show that graphene’s unique characteristics, including its stability, insensitivity to impurities and ease of tunable electrical properties allowing for in-situ calibration, make it an excellent candidate as a reference standard for direct measurements of the absolute Seebeck coefficient. This work minds an important 75 years pending gap in the field of thermoelectricity.
(Invited) From the Top or through the Edge: What Is the Most Scalable Contact to 2D Semiconductors?
Authors: Franklin Aaron D
Published: May 2020

The most common approach for establishing electrical contacts to 2D semiconductors, such as MoS2, is by fabricating metal contacts on top of the inert crystal surface. From an electron transport perspective, these top-contact interfaces can be awkward, with a van der Waals gap or some difficult-to-control form of interfacial bonding. Pure edge contacts (where the interface between the metal and 2D semiconductor occurs completely along the open bonds of the 2D crystal edge) provide a more natural bonding structure and potentially better carrier transport behavior; however, edge contacts have proven more difficult to realize. In this talk, recent success with establishing clean, pure edge contacts between metals and 2D semiconductors will be discussed, including an approach involving an in situ ion beam within a thin-film deposition system. Evaluation of these edge contacts compared to other approaches will be provided, along with demonstration of how edge-contact scaling affects the performance of 2D transistors compared to top-contact scaling. While there remains much to be learned about these interesting metal-2D edge interfaces, results thus far show significant promise for yielding a more scalable and potentially reproducible contact for 2D-based devices.