bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the kinetics of competitive sorption and desorption of Zn(II), Ni(II), and Pb(II) in an acidic soil: Stirred‐flow experiments
Authors: Padilla J. T. , Selim H. M.
Published: January 2021

The mobility and fate of heavy metals in soils is of environmental concern. Stirred‐flow experiments were conducted to study the competitive sorption and desorption of Zn, Ni, and Pb in binary systems in acidic Olivier loam soil. For all three binary systems, consecutive pulse applications demonstrated that the metal of highest affinity displaced sorbed amounts of metals of low affinity, whereas sorbed concentrations of the ion of highest affinity were unaffected by the addition of the metal of lower affinity. The displacement of Ni by Zn appeared irreversible, whereas the displacement of Zn by Pb and Ni by Pb was reversible. A two‐site competitive kinetic model consisting of common and ion‐specific sites successfully described the experimental data. Specifically, the model was able to accurately predict lower sorbed concentrations in concurrent pulse studies, as well as the displacement of Ni by Zn and Zn by Pb in the consecutive pulse studies. The presented model provided significant improvement over single‐ion models that have been previously used to describe competitive interactions between species in stirred flow experiments.
An Investigation into Interactions between 1‐Butyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium Tetrafluoroborate Guest and Pillar[5]arene Hosts: An Experimental and Molecular Dynamics Approach
Authors: Al Mamari Hamad H. , Al Harrasi Iman , Suliman Fakhreldin O.
Published: January 2021

Various synthesized Pillar[5]arene macrocycles were allowed to form complexes with the ionic liquid; 1‐Butyl‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium tetrafluoroborate (IL). The pillar[5]arenes used in the study were synthesized by the established pioneering method of Ogoshi that involves treatment of 1,4‐disubstituted benzenes with paraformaldehyde in the presence of BF3.OEt2. Selected synthesized pillar[5]arenes; DMpillar[5]arene (4a), DPpillar[5]arene (4b), DPGpillar[5]arene (4c) were allowed to form complexes with the ionic liquid, and complexations were confirmed by MALDI‐TOF, ESI‐MS, 1H NMR, and DOSY spectroscopy. ESI‐MS reveals highly intense ion peaks that correspond to [pillar[5]arene+IL]+ for the complexes of the three pillar[5]arenes with the ionic liquid. Changes in characteristic peaks in hosts and guests, as a result of complexation, were studied by 1H NMR. Results obtained suggest a formation of 1 : 1 complexes between the pillar[5]arene host and the IL guest. Host‐guest interactions in such complexes have also been studied using 1H‐1H 2D ROESY NMR spectroscopy. Obtained through‐space correlations revealed interactions between certain parts of the pillar[5]arene hosts and the ionic liquid. The complexation between the three pillar[5]arenes and the IL was studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The obtained results suggest the insertion of the IL inside the nanocavities of the hosts.
Visible Light‐Induced Cu‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Schiff's Base of 2‐ Amino Benzonitrile Derivatives and Acetophenones
Authors: Kamal Arsala , Singh Himanshu Kumar , Kumar Dhirendra , Maury Suresh Kumar , Kumari Savita , Srivastava Vandana , Singh Sundaram
Published: January 2021

An efficient, mild, and environment‐friendly methodology for the synthesis of azomethine chromophores through the reaction of 2‐aminobenzonitrile derivatives and acetophenones has been developed using CuCl (10 mol %) catalyst and toluene as a solvent under visible light irradiation. The reaction proceeds readily at room temperature under 20 W white LED with good to excellent yields in short reaction time. This methodology shows significant advantages such as environmentally benign reaction conditions, sustainability, enumerating tolerance of wide range of functional groups, cost‐effectiveness, high atom economy, short reaction time, and applicability for large‐scale synthesis.
Effect of olive tree leaves and twigs on intake, digestibility, growth performance and blood variables of Shami goats
Authors: Alkhtib Ashraf , Muna Muhannad , Burton Emily , Wamatu Jane , Darag Mohammad , Alkhaled Eyad , Al‐asa’ad Ziad , Almoufachi Hana , Zaeowd Ruba
Published: January 2021

The effect of replacing wheat straw and a portion of commercial concentrate with olive twigs and leaves treated with urea and molasses on nutrient digestibility, growth performance and blood variables was determined. Forty‐two Shami goat kids (20 ± 2.47 kg live weight and 133 ± 5.44 days of age) were randomly allotted to three dietary treatment groups, control (75% commercial concentrate and 25% wheat straw), OTU (62.3% commercial concentrate + 37.7% olive twigs and leaves treated with 4% urea for 14 days), OTUM (51.5% concentrate mixture + 48.5% olive twigs and leaves treated with 4% urea for 14 days then sprayed by 10% molasses). Cost (SYP/t) of control, OUT and OTUM was 12,600, 10,066 and 10,106 respectively. The study consisted of a growth trial of 100 days and a digestibility trial of 12 days (7 days of adaptation and 5 days of urine and faeces collection). Serum urea, total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase activity, aspartate aminotransferase activity, glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, haemoglobin and packed cell volume were determined. Daily dry matter intake, digestibility of crude protein, ether extract and nutrient detergent fibre did not significantly differ among the dietary treatments (p > .05). Nitrogen intake, nitrogen excretion in urine and faeces and nitrogen balance was not significantly affected (p > .05) by the dietary treatment. The dietary treatment did not have any significant effect on average daily gain, feed conversion ratio or blood variables (p > .05). Olive twigs treated with 4% urea and OTUM replaced 37.7% and 48.5% of conventional diets of growing Shami goat kids without negative effects on growth performance nor health and potentially reduced fattening costs for farmers in olive‐livestock mixed systems by 19.8 and 20%, respectively. OUT is technically simpler than OTUM, thus, it could replace the conventional fattening ration of Shami male goat.
Fault early warning of wind turbine gearbox based on multi‐input support vector regression and improved ant lion optimization
Authors: Yang Yanjun , Liu Aimin , Xin Hongwei , Wang Jianguo
Published: January 2021

Gearbox oil temperature is one of the important indicators for gearbox condition monitoring and faults early warning. Accurately predicting the gearbox oil temperature change trend can maintain the gearbox in advance and ensure the safety and reliability of the wind turbine gearbox. The purpose of this article is to analyze the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) data in wind turbines. A method based on multi‐input improved ant lion optimization and support vector regression (M‐IALO‐SVR) proposed, which can accurately predict the gearbox oil temperature. The prediction method is compared with back propagation neural network (BPNN) and ALO‐SVR methods to verify the effectiveness of the M‐IALO‐SVR method. To further analyze the prediction results, the 95% confidence interval processing is performed on the residuals of the prediction model, and then the trends of the mean and standard deviation of the moving window residuals are calculated. Testing SCADA data from a wind farm in northeast China, the test results show that when the gearbox is operating normally, the predicted value of the gearbox oil temperature follows the measured value very well. When the gearbox operates abnormally, its temperature deviates from the normal range, and the statistical characteristics of the residuals also change. According to the trend of the residuals statistical characteristics, the abnormal state of the gearbox can be found in time.
Feasibility and effectiveness of multi-injection thoracic paravertebral block via the intrathoracic approach for analgesia after thoracoscopic-laparoscopic esophagectomy
Authors: Hu Lihong , Xu Xia , Shen Weiyu , He Jinxian
Published: January 2021

Background

We observed the feasibility and effectiveness of multi-injection thoracic paravertebral block (TPB) via the intrathoracic approach under thoracoscopic direct vision for analgesia after thoracoscopic-laparoscopic esophagectomy (TLE).

Methods

Sixty patients undergoing TLE were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group. All patients underwent TPB via the intrathoracic approach at the three levels of T2, 5, and 8 with a scalp needle before closing the chest. The patients in the observation group received 10 ml 0.375% ropivacaine at each level, and the patients in the control group received 10 ml of 0.9% saline at each level. A patient-controlled intravenous analgesic (PCIA) pump with sufentanil was attached to all patients after surgery. The sufentanil consumption, number of PCIA presses and use of rescue analgesia in the first 24 h after surgery were recorded. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores (rest and coughing) were recorded at 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h after surgery. The duration of postoperative hospital stay, active cough rate, first ambulation, and the incidence of adverse reactions after surgery was recorded.

Results

The sufentanil consumption in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (34.7 ± 1.9 µg vs. 52.1 ± 2.1 µg; P < 0.001). The VAS score at each postoperative time point, number of PCIA presses, use of rescue analgesia, and the incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The postoperative active cough rate of patients in the observation group was significantly higher than those in the control group, and the times of the first ambulation after surgery and postoperative hospital stay in the observation group were significantly shorter than those in the control group (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Multi-injection TPB via the intrathoracic approach under thoracoscopic direct vision is easy to perform and can effectively alleviate postoperative pain after TLE with fewer adverse reactions and contributing to improved postoperative recovery.
A Complete SMOCkery: Daily Online Testing Did Not Boost College Performance
Authors: Robinson Daniel H.
Published: January 2021

In an article published in an open-access journal, (Pennebaker et al. PLoS One, 8(11), e79774, 2013) reported that an innovative computer-based system that included daily online testing resulted in better student performance in other concurrent courses and a reduction in achievement gaps between lower and upper middle-class students. This article has had high impact, not only in terms of citations, but it also launched a multimillion-dollar university project and numerous synchronous massive online courses (SMOCs). In this study, I present a closer look at the data used in the Pennebaker et al. study. As in many cases of false claims, threats to internal validity were not adequately addressed. Student performance increases in other courses can be explained entirely by selection bias, whereas achievement gap reductions may be explained by differential attrition. It is hoped that the findings reported in this paper will inform future decisions regarding SMOC courses. More importantly, our field needs watchdogs who expose such unsupported extravagant claims—especially those appearing in pay-to-publish journals.
Measurement of k0 values for europium, lutetium and iridium at FRM II with a very well thermalized neutron spectrum
Authors: Li Xiaosong , van Sluijs Robbert , Kennedy Gregory
Published: January 2021

The k0 values of 6 non-1/v nuclides (152Eu, 152mEu, 154Eu, 177Lu, 192Ir and 194Ir) were determined using the extended Høgdahl formalism at the research reactor FRM II with very high f values. Standards were irradiated in 4 channels at different local temperatures between 40 °C and 55 °C measured using temperature sensitive irreversible labels. A good agreement with the recommended values was found for 152Eu, 154Eu and 177Lu using the original g(Tn) factors by Gryntakis, however, the k0 values for 152mEu in this work were 7% higher. New k0 values were also determined using the g(Tn) factors by Van Sluijs. Differences up to 6% were found for Eu isotopes compared with the recommended values. The recommended k0 values for 192Ir and 194Ir could be confirmed using g = 1. The theoretical k0 values for 177Lu were calculated using new nuclear data. They are up to 6% less than the recommended values. The present k0 values determined in this work showed a similar trend. The influence of different g(Tn) factors on the determination of the k0 values was investigated.
School Coordinators’ Perceptions of Organizational Readiness Is Associated with Implementation Fidelity in a Smoking Prevention Program: Findings from the X:IT II Study
Authors: Bast Lotus Sofie , Andersen Henriette Bondo , Andersen Anette , Lauemøller Stine Glenstrup , Bonnesen Camilla Thørring , Krølner Rikke Fredenslund
Published: January 2021

School organizational readiness to implement interventions may play an important role for the actual obtained implementation level, and knowledge about organizational readiness prior to intervention start can help pinpoint how to optimize support to the schools. In this study, we applied a novel heuristic, R = MC2 to assess school organizational readiness prior to implementation of a multicomponent smoking prevention program. Furthermore, we examined the association to actual implementation after the first year of study. We used questionnaire data from school coordinators at 40 schools in Denmark who had accepted to implement the multi-component smoking prevention intervention—X:IT II—in the school year 2017–2018 including three main components: (1) Rules on smoke-free school time, (2) A smoke-free curriculum, and (3) Parental involvement. On behalf of the school, a school coordinator answered a baseline questionnaire about the organizational readiness and a follow-up questionnaire about implementation of the three components after first year of study. Readiness was measured by summing aspects of motivation (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, and priority), general capacity (culture, climate, and staff capacity), and innovation-specific capacity (knowledge, skills, and abilities). Based on school coordinators’ perceptions, almost all schools had good general capacity while the other two areas of readiness varied across schools; overall, 56.8% of schools (N = 25) had good motivation for implementing the X:IT II intervention and 61.3% (N = 27) had high innovation-specific capacity. Half of the schools had high overall readiness defined as high motivation and high innovation-specific capacity. Schools with high overall readiness implemented the rules on smoke-free school time, smoke-free curriculum, and parental involvement to a higher degree than schools with low overall readiness. All participating schools possessed sufficient levels of general capacity, e.g., a well-functioning organizational culture and sufficient staff capacity. High levels of motivation and innovation-specific capacity were positively associated with the schools’ actual implementation of the main intervention components. This way of conceptualizing and measuring organizational readiness may be useful in future studies, i.e., in studies where enhancing readiness is a main objective.
Transcriptional signatures of Zika virus infection in astrocytes
Authors: Schouest Blake , Peterson Tiffany A. , Szeltner Dawn M. , Scheef Elizabeth A. , Baddoo Melody , Ungerleider Nathan , Flemington Erik K. , MacLean Andrew G. , Maness Nicholas J.
Published: January 2021

Astrocytes are an early and important target of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in the developing brain, but the impacts of infection on astrocyte function remain controversial. Given that nonhuman primate (NHP) models of ZIKV infection replicate aspects of neurologic disease seen in human infections, we cultured primary astrocytes from the brain tissue of infant rhesus macaques and then infected the cells with Asian or African lineage ZIKV to identify transcriptional patterns associated with infection in these cells. The African lineage virus appeared to have greater infectivity and promote stronger antiviral signaling, but infection by either strain ultimately produced typical virus response patterns. Both viruses induced hypoxic stress, but the Asian lineage strain additionally had an effect on metabolic and lipid biosynthesis pathways. Together, these findings describe an NHP astrocyte model that may be used to assess transcriptional signatures following ZIKV infection.
Improvement of unbound granular pavement layers and subgrade with cement dust in Egypt
Authors: Awed Ahmed M. , Aboelela Abdallah E. , El-Ashwah Ahmed S. , Allam Mofida , El-Badawy Sherif M.
Published: January 2021

The main goal of this study is to assess the technical viability of using cement dust as part of the fines percentage in the unbound granular base/subbase pavement layers’ and subgrade soil as a viable sustainable solution. This study investigates the effect of adding cement dust to five types of pavement road materials which are collected from different ongoing roadway construction projects (1) Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), (2) crushed stone base aggregates, (3) blend of crushed stone base aggregates with RAP, (4) crushed stone subbase aggregates, and (5) sandy subgrade soil. The resilient modulus (Mr) is selected as the main characteristic for evaluating the investigated materials’ stiffness. The regression parameters (k1, k2, and k3) of the universal Mr prediction model are found by fitting the experimental results of Mr testing for two replicates per each material type. The results show that using 3–5% of cement dust improves the estimated Mr of the investigated base/subbase materials and subgrades at the anticipated field stresses by 8–21%., As a result the structural layer coefficients are enhanced by 11–17%. KENLAYER nonlinear damage analysis confirms that using 3–5% of cement dust improves the predicted rutting life by up to 12% and the fatigue life up to 27%. Based on a typical pavement structure, enhancing pavement base/subbase layers and subgrade soils with 3–5% of cement dust reduces asphalt layer thickness from 11.25 to 12.50% and increases base/subbase layer thickness from 8.75 to 12.50% to maintain the same predicted rutting and fatigue lives of the typical structure. This positively affects the total construction cost in addition to the ecological benefits.
Intercultural Communication
Authors: Nguyen-Phuong-Mai Mai
Published: January 2021

This book is an introduction to Intercultural Communication (IC) that takes into account the much neglected dynamic paradigm of culture in the literature. It posits that culture is not static, context is the driving force for change, and individuals can develop a multicultural mind. It is also the first IC textbook in the field that incorporates insight from evolutionary biology and the newly emerging discipline of cultural neurosciences. Such an interdisciplinary approach provides readers with new angles, encourages critical thinking, and sometimes challenges conventional knowledge in the field. The combination of the author's multicultural academic and journalistic background contributes to a balance of diverse perspectives and world views on cultural theories and discourses. The book is ideal for courses in Intercultural Communication with study cases, discussion topics and class activities.
Terminal Sedation: Palliative Care for Intractable Pain, Post Glucksberg and Quill
Authors: McStay Rob
Published: January 2021

In 1997, the U.S. Supreme Court tacitly endorsed terminal sedation as an alternative to physician-assisted suicide, thus intensifying a debate in the legal and medical communities as to the propriety of terminal sedation and setting the stage for a new battleground in the “right to die” controversy. Terminal sedation is the induction of an unconscious state to relieve otherwise intractable distress, and is frequently accompanied by the withdrawal of any life-sustaining intervention, such as hydration and nutrition. This practice is a clinical option of “last resort” when less aggressive palliative care measures have failed. Terminal sedation has also been described as “the compromise in the furor over physician-assisted suicide.”

Medical literature suggests that terminal sedation was a palliative care option long before the Supreme Court considered the constitutional implications of physician-assisted suicide. Terminal sedation has been used for three related but distinct purposes: (1) to relieve physical pain; (2) to produce an unconscious state before the withdrawal of artificial life support; and (3) to relieve non-physical suffering.
Fool’s Gold: Psychologists Using Disingenuous Reasoning to Mislead Legislatures into Granting Psychologists Prescriptive Authority
Authors: Pollitt Brent
Published: January 2021

Mental illness is a serious problem in the United States. Based on “current epidemiological estimates, at least one in five people has a diagnosable mental disorder during the course of a year.” Fortunately, many of these disorders respond positively to psychotropic medications. While psychiatrists write some of the prescriptions for psychotropic medications, primary care physicians write more of them. State legislatures, seeking to expand patient access to pharmacological treatment, granted physician assistants and nurse practitioners prescriptive authority for psychotropic medications. Over the past decade other groups have gained some form of prescriptive authority. Currently, psychologists comprise the primary group seeking prescriptive authority for psychotropic medications.

The American Society for the Advancement of Pharmacotherapy (“ASAP”), a division of the American Psychological Association (“APA”), spearheads the drive for psychologists to gain prescriptive authority. The American Psychological Association offers five main reasons why legislatures should grant psychologists this privilege: 1) psychologists’ education and clinical training better qualify them to diagnose and treat mental illness in comparison with primary care physicians; 2) the Department of Defense Psychopharmacology Demonstration Project (“PDP”) demonstrated non-physician psychologists can prescribe psychotropic medications safely; 3) the recommended post-doctoral training requirements adequately prepare psychologists to prescribe safely psychotropic medications; 4) this privilege will increase availability of mental healthcare services, especially in rural areas; and 5) this privilege will result in an overall reduction in medical expenses, because patients will visit only one healthcare provider instead of two–one for psychotherapy and one for medication.
Achieving Equality: Healthcare Governance in Transition
Authors: Trubek Louise G. , Das Maya
Published: January 2021

Healthcare is not immune to the deeply rooted inequalities in American society. To this day, racial and ethnic differences exist in the quality and outcomes of healthcare that cannot be attributed to socioeconomic or other healthcare access factors. Lawyers committed to social justice have long dedicated energy and attention to these continued disparities. As a lawyer litigating against segregation in healthcare facilities noted in 1966, “The treatment accorded Negroes by Southern medical facilities … reflects a striking contradiction between law and practice.” Past efforts to achieve equality in healthcare through civil rights litigation, education and local organizing have been effective to a degree, but have lost their influence in the current healthcare environment. In a renewed effort to achieve racial and ethnic equality in healthcare, some advocates are turning to quality as an indirect route to attaining this goal. The quality approach requires changing the traditional healthcare framework by incorporating new methods for achieving quality into every level of the system, including the patient level, the clinical level, the healthcare organization level and the governance level.
Blockade of translationally controlled tumor protein attenuated the aggressiveness of fibroblast-like synoviocytes and ameliorated collagen-induced arthritis
Authors: Kim Mingyo , Choe Yongho , Lee Heewon , Jeon Min-Gyu , Park Jin-Ho , Noh Hae Sook , Cheon Yun-Hong , Park Hee Jin , Park Jaehun , Shin Sung Jae , Lee Kyunglim , Lee Sang-Il
Published: January 2021

Histamine releasing factor/translationally controlled tumor protein (HRF/TCTP) stimulates cancer progression and allergic responses, but the role of HRF/TCTP in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains undefined. In this study, we explored the pathogenic significance of HRF/TCTP and evaluated the therapeutic effects of HRF/TCTP blockade in RA. HRF/TCTP transgenic (TG) and knockdown (KD) mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were used to determine the experimental phenotypes of RA. HRF/TCTP levels in the sera of RA patients were measured and compared to those from patients with osteoarthritis (OA), ankylosing spondylitis, Behçet’s disease, and healthy controls. HRF/TCTP expression was also assessed in the synovium and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) obtained from RA or OA patients. Finally, we assessed the effects of HRF/TCTP and dimerized HRF/TCTP-binding peptide-2 (dTBP2), an HRF/TCTP inhibitor, in RA-FLSs and CIA mice. Our clinical, radiological, histological, and biochemical analyses indicate that inflammatory responses and joint destruction were increased in HRF/TCTP TG mice and decreased in KD mice compared to wild-type littermates. HRF/TCTP levels in the sera, synovial fluid, synovium, and FLSs were higher in patients with RA than in control groups. Serum levels of HRF/TCTP correlated well with RA disease activity. The tumor-like aggressiveness of RA-FLSs was exacerbated by HRF/TCTP stimulation and ameliorated by dTBP2 treatment. dTBP2 exerted protective and therapeutic effects in CIA mice and had no detrimental effects in a murine tuberculosis model. Our results indicate that HRF/TCTP is a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for the diagnosis and treatment of RA.
Dual-shot dynamics and ultimate frequency of all-optical magnetic recording on GdFeCo
Authors: Wang Sicong , Wei Chen , Feng Yuanhua , Cao Hongkun , Li Wenzhe , Cao Yaoyu , Guan Bai-Ou , Tsukamoto Arata , Kirilyuk Andrei , Kimel Alexey V. , Li Xiangping
Published: January 2021

Although photonics presents the fastest and most energy-efficient method of data transfer, magnetism still offers the cheapest and most natural way to store data. The ultrafast and energy-efficient optical control of magnetism is presently a missing technological link that prevents us from reaching the next evolution in information processing. The discovery of all-optical magnetization reversal in GdFeCo with the help of 100 fs laser pulses has further aroused intense interest in this compelling problem. Although the applicability of this approach to high-speed data processing depends vitally on the maximum repetition rate of the switching, the latter remains virtually unknown. Here we experimentally unveil the ultimate frequency of repetitive all-optical magnetization reversal through time-resolved studies of the dual-shot magnetization dynamics in Gd27Fe63.87Co9.13. Varying the intensities of the shots and the shot-to-shot separation, we reveal the conditions for ultrafast writing and the fastest possible restoration of magnetic bits. It is shown that although magnetic writing launched by the first shot is completed after 100 ps, a reliable rewriting of the bit by the second shot requires separating the shots by at least 300 ps. Using two shots partially overlapping in space and minimally separated by 300 ps, we demonstrate an approach for GHz magnetic writing that can be scaled down to sizes below the diffraction limit.
Direct quantification of topological protection in symmetry-protected photonic edge states at telecom wavelengths
Authors: Arora Sonakshi , Bauer Thomas , Barczyk René , Verhagen Ewold , Kuipers L.
Published: January 2021

Topological on-chip photonics based on tailored photonic crystals (PhCs) that emulate quantum valley-Hall effects has recently gained widespread interest owing to its promise of robust unidirectional transport of classical and quantum information. We present a direct quantitative evaluation of topological photonic edge eigenstates and their transport properties in the telecom wavelength range using phase-resolved near-field optical microscopy. Experimentally visualizing the detailed sub-wavelength structure of these modes propagating along the interface between two topologically non-trivial mirror-symmetric lattices allows us to map their dispersion relation and differentiate between the contributions of several higher-order Bloch harmonics. Selective probing of forward- and backward-propagating modes as defined by their phase velocities enables direct quantification of topological robustness. Studying near-field propagation in controlled defects allows us to extract upper limits of topological protection in on-chip photonic systems in comparison with conventional PhC waveguides. We find that protected edge states are two orders of magnitude more robust than modes of conventional PhC waveguides. This direct experimental quantification of topological robustness comprises a crucial step toward the application of topologically protected guiding in integrated photonics, allowing for unprecedented error-free photonic quantum networks.
Na2Fe2F7: a fluoride-based cathode for high power and long life Na-ion batteries
Authors: Park Hyunyoung , Lee Yongseok , Cho Min-kyung , Kang Jungmin , Ko Wonseok , Jung Young Hwa , Jeon Tae-Yeol , Hong Jihyun , Kim Hyungsub , Myung Seung-Taek , Kim Jongsoon
Published: January 2021

T-Na2Fe2F7 based on three-dimensionally connected FeF6 octahedra exhibits large specific capacity and ultra-high-stable cycling performance as a promising cathode for NIBs.
Identification of core miRNAs and regulatory pathways in breast cancer by integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Feng Haizhou , Song Zhenhui
Published: January 2021

In this study, transcription factor, miRNA, and key gene which are related to breast cancer may serve as biomarkers for the prognosis, and prediction of therapeutic responses in breast cancer and provide a novel direction for further experiments.
Stimuli-responsive conductive hydrogels: design, properties, and applications
Authors: Deng Zexing , Yu Rui , Guo Baolin
Published: January 2021

This article discusses the preparation, performance, applications, and future research directions of stimuli-responsive conductive hydrogels.
The effect of cooling process on the structure and charge/discharge capacities of Li-rich solid-solution layered oxide cathode materials for the Li-ion battery
Authors: Nomura Fumihiro , Watanabe Tatsuya , Ochiai Hiroya , Gunji Takao , Hagiwara Takeshi , Wu Jianfei , Matsumoto Futoshi
Published: January 2021

The difference in discharge capacity = (discharge capacity of the LLO sample prepared by quenched cooling) − (discharge capacity of the LLO sample prepared by slow cooling). The difference in discharge capacity: > 10 mA h g−1, −10 mA h g−1 < <10 mA h g−1, < −10 mA h g−1.
Development of bactericidal spinel ferrite nanoparticles with effective biocompatibility for potential wound healing applications
Authors: Rabbani Atiya , Haghniaz Reihaneh , Khan Taous , Khan Romana , Khalid Ayesha , Naz Syeda Sohaila , Ul-Islam Mazhar , Vajhadin Fereshteh , Wahid Fazli
Published: January 2021

The current study was devised to explore the antibacterial activity and underlying mechanism of spinel ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) along with their biocompatibility and wound healing potentials.
Enhanced extraction of organophosphorus pesticides from fruit juices using magnetic effervescent tablets composed of the NiFe2O4@SiO2@PANI-IL nanocomposites
Authors: Chen Dechao , Ma Sai , Zhang Xiaofan , Wang Xuedong , Gao Ming , Li Jieyi , Wang Huili
Published: January 2021

The reported ionic liquid (IL)-based magnetic effervescent tablets are a result of direct addition of ILs and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs).
Bio-engineered palladium nanoparticles: model for risk assessment study of automotive particulate pollution on macrophage cell lines
Authors: Aarzoo  , Naqvi Saba , Agarwal Nidhi Bharal , Singh Manoj P. , Samim M.
Published: January 2021

The surge in vehicular activity in densely populated areas has led to an increased concentration of airborne palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) in the environment.
Improving heavy oil recovery, part (I): synthesis and surface activity evaluation of some novel organometallic surfactants based on salen–M complexes
Authors: Abdelhamid M. M. , Rizk S. A. , Betiha M. A. , Desouky S. M. , Alsabagh A. M.
Published: January 2021

This study focuses on preparing a new family of organometallic surfactants based on five ion complexes, namely Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, and Mn2+.
Fine-tuning the water oxidation performance of hierarchical Co3O4 nanostructures prepared from different cobalt precursors
Authors: Bodhankar Pradnya M. , Chunduri Avani , Patel Nainesh , Dhawale Dattatray S. , Vinu Ajayan , Aljohani Hind , Sarawade Pradip B.
Published: January 2021

Three different hierarchical nanostructured Co3O4 catalysts are prepared by simple alteration of the precursor. The Co3O4–S catalyst shows superior water oxidation activity due to its improved charge transfer ability and high specific surface area.
Synthesis and gas permeation properties of tetraoxidethianthrene-based polymers of intrinsic microporosity
Authors: Felemban Sarah A. , Bezzu C. Grazia , Comesaña-Gándara Bibiana , Jansen Johannes C. , Fuoco Alessio , Esposito Elisa , Carta Mariolino , McKeown Neil B.
Published: January 2021

A series of nine polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) derived from different bis-catechol monomers and 2,3,7,8-tetrafluoro-5,5′,10,10′-tetraoxidethianthrene (TOT) were synthesised and tested for their potential use as gas separation membranes.
An exceptionally large energy cathode with the K–SO4–Cu conversion reaction for potassium rechargeable batteries
Authors: Lee Yongseok , Yoo Jung-Keun , Park Hyunyoung , Ko Wonseok , Kang Jungmin , Jo Jae Hyeon , Yoon Gabin , Im Hyeon-Gyun , Yashiro Hitoshi , Myung Seung-Taek , Kim Jongsoon
Published: January 2021

A nano-sized CuSO4/carbon (N-CSO/C) composite achieves outstanding electrochemical performances with a high average operating voltage of ∼2.8 V (vs. K+/K).
Polymerizable deep eutectic solvent-based mechanically strong and ultra-stretchable conductive elastomers for detecting human motions
Authors: Zhang Kaili , Li Ren'ai , Chen Guangxue , Yang Jimin , Tian Junfei , He Minghui
Published: January 2021

Polymerizable deep eutectic solvent-based mechanically strong and ultra-stretchable conductive elastomers were reported.
Highly pure pentacene crystals grown by physical vapor transport: the critical role of the carrier gas
Authors: Kim Hye Soo , Kim Soyoung , Koo Jin Young , Choi Hee Cheul
Published: January 2021

An efficient approach to obtaining high purity pentacene crystals via physical vapor transport process is reported, utilizing the physical properties of carrier gases.
Therapeutic targeting of TGF-β in cancer: hacking a master switch of immune suppression
Authors: van den Bulk Jitske , de Miranda Noel F.C.C. , ten Dijke Peter
Published: January 2021

Cancers may escape elimination by the host immune system by rewiring the tumour microenvironment towards an immune suppressive state. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a secreted multifunctional cytokine that strongly regulates the activity of immune cells while, in parallel, can promote malignant features such as cancer cell invasion and migration, angiogenesis, and the emergence of cancer-associated fibroblasts. TGF-β is abundantly expressed in cancers and, most often, its abundance associated with poor clinical outcomes. Immunotherapeutic strategies, particularly T cell checkpoint blockade therapies, so far, only produce clinical benefit in a minority of cancer patients. The inhibition of TGF-β activity is a promising approach to increase the efficacy of T cell checkpoint blockade therapies. In this review, we briefly outline the immunoregulatory functions of TGF-β in physiological and malignant contexts. We then deliberate on how the therapeutic targeting of TGF-β may lead to a broadened applicability and success of state-of-the-art immunotherapies.
Method of modelling operation and maintenance processes in public transport systems using a certain class of stochastic processes
Authors: Landowski Bogdan
Published: January 2021

The study presents a method for application of the theory Markov homogenous processes for modeling of the process of vehicle operational state changes characterized by exponential distribution of their duration time. A model of operation and maintenance of vehicles used in the research object has been developed. The research object is a city bus transport system situated in the analyzed agglomeration. Stochastic process {X(t), t = 0} is a mathematical model of the process of operation and maintenance of public transport buses. The analyzed stochastic process {X(t),t = 0} has a finite phase space S, S={S1, S2, ..., Sn}. It was assumed that operation of the model is to be described by the homogeneous Markov process {X(t) : t ? R+} with a finite set of S states. The states of the analyzed stochastic process correspond to the operational states distinguished for a bus. A hypothetical computing model was built in order to illustrate the discussion and present a method for application of the developed model. The parameters of the model were estimated based on the analysis of initial results of experimental tests conducted in a real bus transport system.
Mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced polyamide produced by CFF method (Continuous Filament Fabrication)
Authors: Nowinka Bartosz , Sykutera Dariusz
Published: January 2021

The study presents the influence of content and orientation of continuous carbon fibers (CF) on the static tensile test results of a polyamide matrix (PA) composite, produced using Continuous Filament Fabrication (CFF) technology. Taking the polyamide’s crystalline structure into account, an attempt was also made to produce test specimens under various temperature conditions of the device chamber. The test samples were produced in use of the Mark Two device (Markforged, Great Britain). It has been shown that the content and orientation of the reinforcement in relation to the direction of stresses generated during the static tensile test, has a significant impact on the parameters determined in this test. The dependence presented in the article, confirms that materials in a thermoplastic matrix, reinforced with continuous fibers are a topic in line with the topic of current trends in fields of material engineering and design of structural products. The conducted research proves that the temperature in the working chamber of the Mark Two device affects formation of mechanical properties of PA+CF composites, fabricated using CFF technology. Manufacturing composites at elevated temperature resulted in significant decrease of E and Rm values for 4 out of five tests performed, but a considerable increase in their relative elongation at break was noticed.
Research operating test of railway vehicles
Authors: Żółtowski Bogdan , Castaneda Leonel F.
Published: January 2021

This article shows the results obtained during the implementation of a portable diagnosis system to the maintenance routines of the passenger vehicles and permanent track of the Metro train, which made it possible to evaluate such aspects as: safety, comfort and technical condition of the track-vehicle interphase. The reports given in this evaluation allowed the identification and the arrangement of the track sections according to its technical condition, relating thus the track and vehicle condition parameters to the estimators connected with the passenger vehicles dynamics.
Selected diagnostic methods used in Hydroelectric Power Plants
Authors: Golonka Emil , Pająk Michał , Kolar Davor
Published: January 2021

Generating electricity using Renewable Energy Sources (RES) is taking over more and more shares in the global market of energy production. This results from global energy policy which is closely related to the reduction of greenhouse gas emission and environmental pollution as well as to reducing consumption of fossil fuels. The constantly increasing number of producers of electricity from RES, such as Hydroelectric Power Plants and Small Hydroelectric Power Plants, gives an impulse for carrying out work on the development and improvement of their operation. It forces continuous work on development of technical diagnostics methods which allow to detect faults at an early stage and even, using properly designed systems, to prevent them or minimize their effects. The main task of the diagnostics and control systems is to identify any symptoms of inaccurate device operation. Next, to modify the algorithm so that the device is introduced to the area of correct operation. Detecting a defect at its initial phase gives opportunities to plan and prepare for the repair of the device. Using appropriate diagnostic methods helps to minimize the costs of major repairs and overhauls of machines and maintain the work efficiency at the desired level. This article presents selected diagnostic methods used in Hydropower Plants.
Impact of the epidemiological situation in Poland in 2020 on the public transport system
Authors: Landowski Bogdan , Kuliś Ewa
Published: January 2021

The use of public transport means is characterized by periodically changing phases. For a unit performing a transport task, it is important to have tools that enable the analysis and forecasting of the state of the system and facilitating decisions regarding the control of the process being carried out. During the mishap of the epidemic, many legal solutions were imposed that forced changes in the process of using public transport. The article below describes the changes and their impact on the situation in Poland.
Dossier « L’économie circulaire : modes de gouvernance et développement territorial » – Métabolisme territorial et capabilités : une articulation entre enjeux économiques et écologiques
Authors: Buclet Nicolas , Donsimoni Myriam
Published: January 2021

Cet article présente une réflexion sur la complémentarité entre une description quantitative du métabolisme d’un territoire et une compréhension qualitative des relations entre acteurs. Celle-ci apporte un complément aux approches plus classiques du métabolisme qui montrent les flux qui circulent, sans toujours en expliquer les raisons d’être. Pour ce faire, après une analyse du métabolisme territorial à partir de sous-systèmes créateurs de richesse, nous présentons l’apport de la notion de « capabilité » à une approche plus qualitative, notamment en passant d’une acception avant tout individuelle de cette notion à une acception territoriale. Cet apport est illustré à partir d’un cas d’étude portant sur la production du fromage de Beaufort en Savoie.
Early Detection of Prediabetes and T2DM Using Wearable Sensors and Internet-of-Things-Based Monitoring Applications
Authors: Baig Mirza Mansoor , GholamHosseini Hamid , Gutierrez Jairo , Ullah Ehsan , Lindén Maria
Published: January 2021

Background Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are one of the major long-term health conditions affecting global healthcare delivery. One of the few effective approaches is to actively manage diabetes via a healthy and active lifestyle.

Objectives This research is focused on early detection of prediabetes and T2DM using wearable technology and Internet-of-Things-based monitoring applications.

Methods We developed an artificial intelligence model based on adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference to detect prediabetes and T2DM via individualized monitoring. The key contributing factors to the proposed model include heart rate, heart rate variability, breathing rate, breathing volume, and activity data (steps, cadence, and calories). The data was collected using an advanced wearable body vest and combined with manual recordings of blood glucose, height, weight, age, and sex. The model analyzed the data alongside a clinical knowledgebase. Fuzzy rules were used to establish baseline values via existing interventions, clinical guidelines, and protocols.

Results The proposed model was tested and validated using Kappa analysis and achieved an overall agreement of 91%.

Conclusion We also present a 2-year follow-up observation from the prediction results of the original model. Moreover, the diabetic profile of a participant using M-health applications and a wearable vest (smart shirt) improved when compared to the traditional/routine practice.
Responding to the pandemic as a family unit: social impacts of COVID-19 on rural migrants in China and their coping strategies
Authors: Tang Shuangshuang , Li Xin
Published: January 2021

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has created tremendous chaos in people’s daily lives around the world. However, the related social impacts vary across social groups. Compared to people with abundant resources, the more disadvantaged tend to suffer greater negative social impacts from disasters. Although it is a crucial topic, there has been limited research on the social impacts of disastrous epidemics on uninfected people in developing countries. To bridge the gap, this study investigates the social impacts of the spread of COVID-19 on rural migrants and their coping strategies through face-to-face interviews with rural migrants in Nanjing, China. The household perspective is highlighted to explore how rural migrants deal with various threats induced by COVID-19 spread. The study finds that rural migrants suffered from serious social impacts due to COVID-19, especially during the associated lockdown period. Despite some similar impacts, influences of COVID-19 varied among rural migrants at different life-cycle stages, due to variations in human capital, family burdens, role in a household, and ability to find part-time work. Receiving little support from governments and employers, rural migrants tended to adopt household strategies to deal with difficulties related to COVID-19. Within a household, they assisted each other and worked as a unit to maximize resources and reduce risks. Traditional family values were highly praised by rural migrant households during the period. Findings also suggest that both central and local governments need to provide practical aid to this group and to improve the social security system for rural migrants.
Vanishing set of inverse Jacobi multipliers and attractor/repeller sets
Authors: García Isaac A. , Giné Jaume , Llibre Jaume , Maza Susanna
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we study conditions under which the zero-set of the inverse Jacobi multiplier of a smooth vector field contains its attractor/repeller compact sets. The work generalizes previous results focusing on sink singularities, orbitally asymptotic limit cycles, and monodromic attractor graphics. Taking different flows on the torus and the sphere as canonical examples of attractor/repeller sets with different topologies, several examples are constructed illustrating the results presented.