bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasmon‐Promoted Electrochemical Oxygen Evolution Catalysis from Gold Decorated MnO2 Nanosheets under Green Light
Authors: Xu Jing , Gu Peng , Birch David J. S. , Chen Yu
Published: June 2018

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of great importance for renewable energy conversion and storage; however, the intrinsic process is sluggish and suffers from severe efficiency loss as well as large overpotentials. In this work, with the introduction of the plasmonic effects by design of the Au‐MnO2 hybrid catalysts, it is demonstrated that this photophysical phenomenon could largely promote the confinement of the outer electrons of Mn cations by plasmonic “hot holes” generated on gold surface. These “hot holes” work as the effective electron trapper to form the active Mnn+ species which could provide active sites to extract electrons from OH− and eventually facilitate the electrochemical OER catalysis under low laser power. By tuning the laser intensity from 100 to 200 mW, the overpotential is decreased from 0.38 to 0.32 V, which is comparable to IrO2 and RuO2 catalysts. These findings may provide insights into activation of plasmon‐promoted electrocatalysis under low power laser irradiation/treatment and the design of novel composite electrocatalysts.
Heteroatom Effect on Star‐Shaped Hole‐Transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: García‐Benito Inés , Zimmermann Iwan , Urieta‐Mora Javier , Aragó Juan , Calbo Joaquín , Perles Josefina , Serrano Alvaro , Molina‐Ontoria Agustín , Ortí Enrique , Martín Nazario , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: June 2018

Three new star‐shaped hole‐transporting materials (HTMs) incorporating benzotripyrrole, benzotrifuran, and benzotriselenophene central cores endowed with three‐armed triphenylamine moieties (BTP‐1, BTF‐1, and BTSe‐1, respectively) are designed, synthesized, and implemented in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The impact that the heteroatom‐containing central scaffold has on the electrochemical and photophysical properties, as well as on the photovoltaic performance, is systematically investigated and compared with their sulfur‐rich analogue (BTT‐3). The new HTMs exhibit suitable highest‐occupied molecular orbitals (HOMO) levels regarding the valence band of the perovskite, which ensure efficient hole extraction at the perovskite/HTM interface. The molecular structures of BTF‐1, BTT‐3, and BTSe‐1 are fully elucidated by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography as toluene solvates. The optimized (FAPbI3)0.85(MAPbBr3)0.15‐based perovskite solar cells employing the tailor‐made, chalcogenide‐based HTMs exhibit remarkable power conversion efficiencies up to 18.5%, which are comparable to the devices based on the benchmark spiro‐OMeTAD. PSCs with BTP‐1 exhibit a more limited power conversion efficiency of 15.5%, with noticeable hysteresis. This systematic study indicates that chalcogenide‐based derivatives are promising HTM candidates to compete efficiently with spiro‐OMeTAD.
Enhancing Ultrafast Lithium Ion Storage of Li4Ti5O12 by Tailored TiC/C Core/Shell Skeleton Plus Nitrogen Doping
Authors: Yao Zhujun , Xia Xinhui , Xie Dong , Wang Yadong , Zhou Cheng‐ao , Liu Sufu , Deng Shengjue , Wang Xiuli , Tu Jiangping
Published: June 2018

It is of great importance to reinforce electronic and ionic conductivity of Li4Ti5O12 electrodes to achieve fast reaction kinetics and good high‐power capability. Herein, for the first time, a dual strategy of combing N‐doped Li4Ti5O12 (N‐LTO) with highly conductive TiC/C skeleton to realize enhanced ultrafast Li ion storage is reported. Interlinked hydrothermal‐synthesized N‐LTO nanosheets are homogeneously decorated on the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) derived TiC/C nanowires forming binder‐free N‐LTO@TiC/C core–branch arrays. Positive advantages including large surface area, strong mechanical stability, and enhanced electronic/ionic conductivity are obtained in the designed integrated arrays and rooted upon synergistic TiC/C matrix and N doping. The above appealing features can effectively boost kinetic properties throughout the N‐LTO@TiC/C electrodes to realize outstanding high‐rate capability at different working temperatures (143 mAh g−1/10 C at 25 °C and 122 mAh g−1/50 C at 50 °C) and notable cycling stability with a capacity retention of 99.3% after 10 000 cycles at 10 C. Moreover, superior high‐rate cycling life is also demonstrated for the full cells with N‐LTO@TiC/C anode and LiFePO4 cathode. The dual strategy may provoke wide interests in fast energy storage areas and motivate the further performance improvement of power‐type lithium ion batteries (LIBs).
Catalytic Cascade Access to Biaryl‐2‐Methyl Acetates from Pyruvate O‐Arylmethyl Ketoximes via the Palladium‐Catalyzed C(sp2)H Bond Arylation and C−O Bond Solvolysis
Authors: Shao Ling‐Yan , Xing Li‐Hao , Guo Ying , Yu Kun‐Kun , Wang Wei , Liu Hong‐Wei , Liao Dao‐Hua , Ji Ya‐Fei
Published: June 2018

A catalytic cascade has been developed for the synthesis of biaryl‐2‐methyl acetates via a palladium‐catalyzed ortho‐C(sp2)−H bond arylation of pyruvate O‐arylmethyl ketoximes with aryl iodides followed by a solvolysis, in which the pyruvic ketoxime ester as a new auxiliary is employed to direct the C(sp2)−H bond activation. The straightforward treatment of O‐arylmethyl hydroxylamines and ethyl pyruvate with aryl iodides also provides the target products in a one‐pot fashion. Furthermore, the new palladacycle intermediate is unambiguously confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. A plausible reaction pathway is proposed for the Pd‐catalyzed arylation‐acetolysis sequence.

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Advances in Palladium‐Catalyzed Cascade Cyclizations
Authors: Biemolt Jasper , Ruijter Eelco
Published: June 2018

The past decades in organic chemistry have witnessed significant improvements in synthetic efficiency as a result of considerable progress in cascade reactions, tandem reactions, and related one‐pot processes. These methods are less time‐consuming and produce less waste compared to the classical stepwise approach. However, cascade chemistry requires a more careful design and compatible reaction types for success. Palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions, with their well understood multistep catalytic cycles, form a promising basis for the design of cascade reactions. Furthermore, they are compatible with a range of functional groups and can be combined with a range of secondary transformations. The resulting palladium‐catalyzed cascade reactions have provided access to a plethora of complex small molecules of high medicinal relevance. This review provides an overview of the developments in palladium‐catalyzed cascade reactions since 2011, classified according to the initiation, propagation, and termination steps comprising the palladium cascade reactions. This classification should assist the reader and may provide inspiration for the design of new cascade reactions.

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Factors Important to Top Clinical Performance in Emergency Medicine Residency: Results of an Ideation Survey and Delphi Panel
Authors: Pines Jesse M. , Alfaraj Sukayna , Batra Sonal , Carter Caitlin , Manikoth Nisha , Roche Colleen N. , Scott James , Goldman Ellen F.
Published: June 2018

Objectives

We explore attributes, traits, background, skills, and behavioral factors important to top clinical performance in emergency medicine (EM) residency.

Methods

We used a two‐step process—an ideation survey with the Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors and a modified Delphi technique—to identify: 1) factors important to top performance, 2) preresidency factors that predict it, and 3) the best ways to measure it. In the Delphi, six expert educators in emergency care assessed the presence of the factors from the ideation survey results in their top clinical performers. Consensus on important factors that were exemplified in >60% of top performers were retained in three Delphi rounds as well as predictors and measures of top performance.

Results

The ideation survey generated 81 responses with ideas for each factor. These were combined into 89 separate factors in seven categories: attributes, personal traits, emergency department (ED)‐specific skills and behaviors, general skill set, background, preresidency predictors, and ways to measure top performance. After three Delphi rounds, the panel achieved consensus on 20 factors important to top clinical performance. This included two attributes, seven traits, one general skill set, and 10 ED‐specific skills and behaviors. Interview performance was considered the sole important preresidency predictor and clinical competency committee results the sole important measure of top performance.

Conclusion

Our expert panel identified 20 factors important to top clinical performance in EM residency. Future work is needed to further explore how individuals learn and develop these factors.
Differences in xylogenesis between dominant and suppressed trees
Authors: Liu Shushan , Li Xiaoxia , Rossi Sergio , Wang Lily , Li Wei , Liang Eryuan , Leavitt Steven W.
Published: June 2018

Premise of The Study

Most dendroecological studies focus on dominant trees, but little is known about the growing season of trees belonging to different size classes and their sensitivity to biotic factors. The objective of this study was to compare the dynamics of xylem formation between dominant and suppressed trees of Abies fabri of similar age growing in the Gongga Mountains, southeastern Tibetan Plateau, and to identify the association between xylem growth and climate.

Methods

The timing and duration of xylogenesis in histological sections were investigated weekly during the 2013–2015 growing seasons.

Key Results

Our investigation found that timing and duration of xylogenesis varied with canopy position and its associated tree size. Xylogenesis started 6–14 days earlier, and ended 5–11 days later in dominant trees than in suppressed trees, resulting in a significantly longer growing season. Dominant trees also exhibited higher temperature sensitivity of tracheid production rate than suppressed trees.

Conclusions

The observed differences in xylogenesis among trees suggested that competition affects tree growth by reducing the growing period in suppressed trees. Representative climate–growth relationships should involve trees of all size classes when evaluating the effects of the environment on forest dynamics.
Origin and diversification of winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.), a multipurpose underutilized legume
Authors: Yang Shuyi , Grall Aurélie , Chapman Mark A.
Published: June 2018

Premise of the Study

For many crops, research into the origin and partitioning of genetic variation is limited and this can slow or prevent crop improvement programs. Many of these underutilized crops have traits that could be of benefit in a changing climate due to stress tolerance or nutritional properties. Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.) DC.) is one such crop. All parts of the plant can be eaten, from the roots to the seeds, and is high in protein as well as other micronutrients. The goal of our study was to identify the wild progenitor and analyze the partitioning of genetic variation in the crop.

Methods

We used molecular phylogenetic analyses (cpDNA and nuclear ITS sequencing) to resolve relationships between all species in the genus, and population genetics (utilizing microsatellites) to identify genetic clusters of winged bean accessions and compare this to geography.

Key Results

We find that winged bean is genetically distinct from all other members of the genus. We also provide support for four groups of species in the genus, largely, but not completely, corresponding to the results of previous morphological analyses. Within winged bean, population genetic analysis using 10 polymorphic microsatellite markers suggests four genetic groups; however, there is little correspondence between the genetic variation and the geography of the accessions.

Conclusions

The true wild progenitor of winged bean remains unknown (or is extinct). There has likely been large‐scale cross‐breeding, trade, and transport of winged bean and/or multiple origins of the crop.
Base‐Promoted Synthesis of 2,4,6‐Triarylpyridines from Enaminones and Chalcones
Authors: Zhang Hong , Shen Jinhai , Cheng Guolin , Wu Binjie , Cui Xiuling
Published: June 2018

A protocol for the synthesis of 2,4,6‐trisubstituted pyridines from N‐unsubstituted enaminones and chalcones via base‐promoted tandem Michael/cyclization reaction has been developed. This method provides an efficient, convenient route to 2,4,6‐trisubstituted pyridines with a good functional group tolerance under mild conditions in the absence of transition metal.
Chemical Engineering of Photoactivity in Heterometallic Titanium–Organic Frameworks by Metal Doping
Authors: Castells‐Gil Javier , Padial Natalia M. , Almora‐Barrios Neyvis , Albero Josep , Ruiz‐Salvador A. Rabdel , González‐Platas Javier , García Hermenegildo , Martí‐Gastaldo Carlos
Published: June 2018

We report a new family of titanium–organic frameworks that enlarges the limited number of crystalline, porous materials available for this metal. They are chemically robust and can be prepared as single crystals at multi‐gram scale from multiple precursors. Their heterometallic structure enables engineering of their photoactivity by metal doping rather than by linker functionalization. Compared to other methodologies based on the post‐synthetic metallation of MOFs, our approach is well‐fitted for controlling the positioning of dopants at an atomic level to gain more precise control over the band‐gap and electronic properties of the porous solid. Changes in the band‐gap are also rationalized with computational modelling and experimentally confirmed by photocatalytic H2 production.
Formazanate Complexes of Hypervalent Group 14 Elements as Precursors to Electronically Stabilized Radicals
Authors: Maar Ryan R. , Catingan Sara D. , Staroverov Viktor N. , Gilroy Joe B.
Published: June 2018

The stability of molecular radicals containing main‐group elements usually hinges on the presence of bulky substituents that shield the reactive radical center. We describe a family of Group 14 formazanate complexes whose chemical reduction allows access to radicals that are stabilized instead by geometric and electron‐delocalization effects, specifically by the square‐pyramidal coordination geometry adopted by the Group 14 atom (Si, Ge, Sn) within the framework of the heteroatom‐rich formazanate ligands. The reduction potentials of the Si, Ge, and Sn complexes as determined by cyclic voltammetry become more negative in that order. Examination of the solid‐state structures of these complexes suggested that their electron‐accepting ability decreases with increasing size of the Group 14 atom because a larger central atom increases the nonplanarity of the ligand‐based conjugated π‐electron system of the complex. The experimental findings were supported by density‐functional calculations on the parent complexes and the corresponding radical anions.
Catalytic Transformations of Functionalized Cyclic Organic Carbonates
Authors: Guo Wusheng , Gómez José Enrique , Cristòfol Àlex , Xie Jianing , Kleij Arjan W.
Published: June 2018

Functionalized cyclic organic carbonates and related heterocycles have emerged as highly versatile heterocyclic substrates for ring‐opening and decarboxylative catalytic transformations allowing for the development of new stereo‐ and enantioselective C−N, C−O, C−C, C−S and C−B bond formation reactions. Transition‐metal‐mediated conversions have only recently been rejuvenated as powerful approaches towards the preparation of more complex molecules. This minireview will highlight the potential of cyclic carbonates and structurally related heterocycles with a focus on their synthetic value and the mechanistic manifolds that are involved upon their conversion.
Organocatalytic Enantioselective Cross‐Vinylogous Rauhut–Currier Reaction of Methyl Coumalate with Enals
Authors: Liu Qiwen , Zu Liansuo
Published: June 2018

The organocatalytic enantioselective intermolecular cross‐vinylogous Rauhut–Currier (RC) reaction of methyl coumalate with α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes is reported, and the enals are activated by iminium catalysis to serve as the Michael acceptors and methyl coumalate is used as an activated diene to generate a latent enolate. The excellent selectivity is driven by the aromaticity of methyl coumalate, and the post transformation of this heterocyclic structure into other electron‐deficient arenes and heterocycles have addressed, in part, the challenging selectivity issues of the intermolecular cross‐RC reactions and the limited scope of iminium catalysis.
The β‐Agostic Structure in (C5Me5)2Sc(CH2CH3): Solid‐State NMR Studies of (C5Me5)2Sc−R (R=Me, Ph, Et)
Authors: Culver Damien B. , Huynh Winn , Tafazolian Hosein , Ong Ta‐Chung , Conley Matthew P.
Published: June 2018

Multinuclear solid‐state NMR studies of Cp*2Sc−R (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl; R=Me, Ph, Et) and DFT calculations show that the Sc−Et complex contains a β‐CH agostic interaction. The static central transition 45Sc NMR spectra show that the quadrupolar coupling constants (Cq) follow the trend of Ph≈Me>Et, indicating that the Sc−R bond is different in Cp*2Sc−Et compared to the methyl and phenyl complexes. Analysis of the chemical shift tensor (CST) shows that the deshielding experienced by Cβ in Sc−CH2CH3 is related to coupling between the filled σC‐C orbital and the vacant
orbital.
Benedict's solution/ vitamin C: An alternative catalytic protocol for the synthesis of regioselective‐1,4‐disubstituted‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazoles at room temperature
Authors: Konwar Manashjyoti , Hazarika Roktopol , Ali Abdul A. , Chetia Mitali , Khupse Nageshwar D. , Saikia Prakash J. , Sarma Diganta
Published: June 2018

A novel and highly efficient method for the synthesis of 1,4‐disubstituted‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazoles by copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition has been developed. This economic and sustainable protocol uses a readily available Benedict's solution/Vitamin C catalyst system affording a wide range of 1,4‐disubstituted‐1H‐1,2,3‐triazoles under mild conditions.
Synthesis of Thiophene‐Based π‐Conjugated Oligomers via Ligand‐Enabled Pd‐Catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling of Haloterthienyls
Authors: Guo Jie , Wu Yong , Kwong Fuk Yee , Zhang Heng , Lei Aiwen
Published: June 2018

A ligand‐enabled Pd‐catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of haloterthienyls for the synthesis of various thiophene‐based π‐conjugated oligomers including quinquethiophenes is demonstrated. An indolyl phosphine ligand plays an important role in this transformation. Thiopheneboronic acids were well applied, which might open up a window for the application of thiopheneboronic acids in the synthesis of thiophene‐based π‐conjugated oligomers in materials chemistry.
Bifunctional Solid Catalyst for Organic Reactions in Water: Simultaneous Anchoring of Acetylacetone Ligands and Amphiphilic Ionic Liquid “Tags” by Using a Dihydropyran Linker
Authors: Lai Bingbing , Mei Fuming , Gu Yanlong
Published: June 2018

The use of solid catalysts to promote organic reactions in water faces the inherent difficulty of the poor mass‐transfer efficiency of organic substances in water, which is often responsible for insufficient reaction and low yields. To solve this problem, the solid surface can be manipulated to become amphiphilic. However, the introduction of surfactant‐like moieties onto the surface of silica‐based materials is not easy. By using an accessible dihydropyran derivative as a grafting linker, a surfactant‐combined bifunctional silica‐based solid catalyst that possessed an ionic liquid tail and a metal acetylacetonate moiety was prepared through a mild Lewis‐acid‐catalyzed ring‐opening reaction with a thiol‐functionalized silica. The surfactant‐combined silica‐supported metal acetylacetone catalysts displayed excellent catalytic activity in water for a range of reactions. The solid catalyst was also shown to be recyclable, and was reused several times without significant loss in activity.
A Peptide‐Based Supramolecular Hydrogel for Controlled Delivery of Amine Drugs
Authors: Wang Youzhi , Zhang Yiming , Li Xinxin , Li Can , Yang Zhimou , Wang Ling
Published: June 2018

Supramolecular hydrogels hold great promise for controlled drug delivery. Herein we report a supramolecular hydrogel based on a peptide bearing a terminal aldehyde. The hydrogel was prepared via an enzyme instructed self‐assembly (EISA) process, and the resulting hydrogels showed ultra‐stable properties in highly acidic or basic aqueous solutions. The hydrogelator could form Schiff bases with amine drugs. Owing to the pH‐responsive properties of Schiff bases, the hydrogels could be used for controlled release of encapsulated amine drugs. Our study provides a peptide‐based hydrogel that may be applied for controlled drug delivery.
Observer Based Fuel Delivery Control for PEM Fuel Cells with a Segmented Anode Model
Authors: Chen Jian , Wu Zhongle , Wu Chengshuai , Yan Chizhou
Published: June 2018

In the anode of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, the measurable outlet pressure is usually different with the actually utilized stack pressure. In this paper, the anode of PEM fuel cells is divided into three segments to reduce the modeling error between these two pressures and the impact of the spatial distribution of pressure, electrochemical reaction, and gas permeation. Specifically, we first model the fuel delivery system with anode recirculation and bleeding in a MIMO nonlinear compact form based on the segmented anode model. Then, a Lyapunov‐based full state feedback controller is proposed based on the developed model to guarantee adequate hydrogen supply and maintain the anode hydrogen at a suitable concentration level. Moreover, a high order sliding mode observer is proposed to estimate the unmeasurable pressure and the partial pressure in the fuel delivery system with known disturbance. Furthermore, an output feedback controller based on the proposed observer is developed with guaranteed stability. Simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control and the estimation approaches.
Final outcomes and disease insurance for a controlled epidemic model
Authors: Lefèvre Claude , Picard Philippe
Published: June 2018

This paper considers a general epidemic model that the spread of which is partially controlled by a health organization. Our primary goal is to show that standard life insurance principles can be applied to guarantee the insurance coverage of such an epidemic. This leads us to determine the expected value of the final population state and of a total path integral for the process. A more general transform of the epidemic outcomes is then obtained using a special family of bivariate pseudopolynomials.
Test of a new mobile machine for comminuting and cleaning rootstock waste
Authors: Spinelli Raffaele , Aminti Giovanni , De Francesco Fabio , Magagnotti Natascia , Pari Luigi
Published: June 2018

A new shredder was designed for comminuting small‐size rootstocks from the termination of orchards and short‐rotation plantations. The new shredder is lighter than any similar models available on the market and is fitted with an integral star screen: these innovative characteristics allow the machine to work in‐field, leaving dirt on site and packing denser loads. The preliminary test conducted in this study lasted 13.2 h and produced 15 full containers, or 123 t of fresh chunks. Researchers measured the time required to fill each container, and associated it with its net weight. Samples were collected from each load in order to determine product moisture and dirt content. Productivity ranged most commonly between 8 and 10 t of fresh chunks (or 38 and 50 m3 of loose chunks) per scheduled hour, inclusive of all delays. Net shredding productivity was much higher and peaked at 17 t of fresh chunks or 80 m3 of loose chunks per hour, excluding delays. The shredding cost varied between 24 and 30 € t−1 of fresh chunks, including transportation to the plant yard. Prolonged storage at the field edge and effective screening resulted in a dramatic reduction of water and soil content, which were measured at 23% and 1% respectively. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Effects of large gradient high magnetic field (LG‐HMF) on the long‐term culture of aquatic organisms: Planarians example
Authors: Lu Hui‐Meng , Lu Xiao‐Li , Zhai Jia‐Hui , Zhou Ren‐Bin , Liu Yong‐Ming , Guo Wei‐Hong , Zhang Chen‐Yan , Shang Peng , Yin Da‐Chuan
Published: June 2018

Large gradient high magnetic field (LG‐HMF) is a powerful tool to study the effects of altered gravity on organisms. In our study, a platform for the long‐term culture of aquatic organisms was designed based on a special superconducting magnet with an LG‐HMF, which can provide three apparent gravity levels (µ g, 1 g, and 2 g), along with a control condition on the ground. Planarians, Dugesia japonica, were head‐amputated and cultured for 5 days in a platform for head reconstruction. After planarian head regeneration, all samples were taken out from the superconducting magnet for a behavioral test under geomagnetic field and normal gravity conditions. To analyze differences among the four groups, four aspects of the planarians were considered, including head regeneration rate, phototaxis response, locomotor velocity, and righting behavior. Data showed that there was no significant difference in the planarian head regeneration rate under simulated altered gravity. According to statistical analysis of the behavioral test, all of the groups had normal functioning of the phototaxis response, while the planarians that underwent head reconstruction under the microgravity environment had significantly slower locomotor velocity and spent more time in righting behavior. Furthermore, histological staining and immunohistochemistry results helped us reveal that the locomotor system of planarians was affected by the simulated microgravity environment. We further demonstrated that the circular muscle of the planarians was weakened (hematoxylin and eosin staining), and the epithelial cilia of the planarians were reduced (anti‐acetylated tubulin staining) under the simulated microgravity environment. Bioelectromagnetics. 2018;39:428–440. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Promoting towel reuse behaviour in guests: A water conservation management and environmental policy in the hotel industry
Authors: Han Heesup , Lee Myong Jae , Kim Wansoo
Published: June 2018

This research was designed to identify and uncover the role of critical factors that elicit towel reuse behaviour in hotel guests. An empirical approach with a survey methodology was employed. The findings suggest that practising towel reuse activities depends on an internally derived sense of obligation to take eco‐friendly action, attitude, overall image, and environmental awareness. The salient role of moral obligation in building the towel reuse intention was also uncovered. Moreover, towel reuse behaviour in everyday life had a significant moderating role in the proposed theoretical framework. Overall, towel reuse intentions in guests were sufficiently accounted for by research variables. This study adds to the extant literature in hospitality and environmental behaviour by offering meaningful insights into how normative, volitional, habitual, and cognitive processes relate to eco‐friendly decisions while guests are staying at a hotel.
The heterogeneous relationship between board social ties and corporate environmental responsibility in an emerging economy
Authors: Zou Hailiang , Xie Xuemei , Qi Guoyou , Yang Mengyu
Published: June 2018

Firms in emerging economies are faced with multiple, incompatible institutional forces in their environmental activities. Which of these forces will be dominant and instantiated within an organization is partly determined by the social relationships that a firm maintains with external actors. This paper investigates the relationship between board social ties and the level of environmental responsibility undertaken by firms in China, an emerging economy, by categorizing board social ties into three types in terms of the three isomorphic forces in the institutional field (coercive, normative and mimetic). Drawing on institutional and agency theories, using a sample of listed firms in environmentally sensitive industries, and a generalized least squares regression method, the results provide empirical evidence that ties that are linked to coercive and normative forces (i.e., political organizations and universities) are related to a higher level of environmental responsibility; however, those that are linked to mimetic forces (i.e., industrial peers) have a negative association with environmental responsibility, which is mitigated by CEO power. These findings suggest that the heterogeneous effects of board social ties on environmental responsibilities experienced by firms in a context of environmentalism are at an early stage.
Incidence trend and conditional survival estimates of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: A large population‐based study
Authors: Zhong Qing , Chen Qi‐Yue , Xie Jian‐Wei , Wang Jia‐Bin , Lin Jian‐Xian , Lu Jun , Cao Long‐Long , Lin Mi , Tu Ru‐Hong , Huang Ze‐Ning , Lin Ju‐Li , Li Ping , Zheng Chao‐Hui , Huang Chang‐Ming
Published: June 2018

Given the rarity and indolent clinical course of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP‐NETs), conditional survival might be the most suitable parameter for cancer survivors who wish to receive accurate prognostic information during follow‐up. We have explored the updated incidence trend and the conditional survival of patients with GEP‐NETs. Incidence trends from 2000 to 2014 were determined through an assessment of patients in the SEER cancer registry. Patients diagnosed between 1988 and 2011 were included in the conditional survival analysis, and the 3‐year conditional cancer‐specific survival (CCS3) was computed. The incidence of GEP‐NETs, which is far higher than the incidence of many malignant tumors, is still increasing steadily (annual percentage change = 4.4). The risk of death from NETs is dynamic over time, and most deaths occur in the first 3 years after diagnosis. Patients with gastric, rectal, or appendiceal NETs hardly exhibit any excess mortality (CCS3 > 95%) given that they have already survived until a defined time‐point within 10 years. The initial difference between each age group basically disappeared with an extension of the survival time since the initial diagnosis of gastric, appendiceal, or rectal NETs, but the difference persisted for tumors at other sites. Although patients with advanced‐stage or higher‐grade tumors have a worse survival at diagnosis than patients with early‐stage or lower‐grade tumors, the difference diminishes and might even disappear over time. For GEP‐NETs that are rare but exhibit slow growth, clinically relevant variations in conditional survival were observed based on the time since diagnosis. Therefore, conditional survival can serve as a guideline that can be used by cancer survivors to plan their future and doctors to plan surveillance schedules.
Extensive or partial first rib resection for thoracic outlet syndrome? The contribution of three‐dimensional imaging to the preoperative planning and the postoperative evaluation
Authors: Spartalis Eleftherios , Spartalis Michael , Tsilimigras Diamantis I. , Moris Demetrios , Garmpis Nikolaos , Damaskos Christos , Dimitroulis Dimitrios , Troupis Theodore , Tomos Periklis
Published: June 2018

Key Clinical Message

Transaxillary partial excision of the first rib is associated with minimal morbidity and excellent relief of symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome due to instant and permanent obviation of the external arterial compression. Three‐dimensional imaging offers incremental value of the surgical outcome, highlighting the role of minimally invasive partial resection.
Conceptual Design of a Once‐Through Gas‐to‐Liquid Process Combined with Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Ostadi Mohammad , Hillestad Magne
Published: June 2018

Recently, a new process has been proposed for a once‐through gas‐to‐liquid (GTL) plant suitable for offshore applications. Here, cogeneration of ammonia is suggested. This is firstly because the main ingredients for ammonia production, i.e., nitrogen and hydrogen, are available in the proposed GTL process. Secondly, cogeneration of ammonia increases the commercial attractiveness of the GTL process. The proposed ammonia process is simple as it does not require separate water‐gas‐shift reactors and a CO2 capture unit, which are typically necessary in an ammonia process. The combined GTL‐ammonia process is autonomous in the sense that it is self‐sufficient with power and water and, therefore, well‐suited for production in remote locations such as a floating production unit. The extra ammonia production will increase significantly the total revenues, which makes the combined process commercially attractive.
Sustainable Conversion of Glycerol into Value‐Added Chemicals by Selective Electro‐Oxidation on Pt‐Based Catalysts
Authors: Zhou Yongfang , Shen Yi , Piao Jinhua
Published: June 2018

The front cover artwork is provided by Shen's group from the South China University of Technology (China). The image shows glycerol electro‐oxidation over a series of Pt‐based catalysts in alkaline solutions. The activity and product distribution of glycerol oxidation could be optimized by tuning the catalyst composition and the applied potentials. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/celc.201800309.
Hydraulic failure by underseepage of dykes and levees
Authors: BRANDL Heinz , SZABO Marek
Published: June 2018

The increase in frequency, magnitude and duration of floods during the past decades has become an outstanding challenge to geotechnical engineering. When dykes or levees do not have a cut‐off wall fully penetrating the aquifer, underseepage may occur during high river levels. In such cases, appropriate measures against hydraulic fracture require comprehensive knowledge of failure modes of dams, dykes and levees. The installation of water pressure relief elements at the landside toe zone of dykes and dams has proven successful. The paper focuses on different relief systems based on mathematical approaches, laboratory and field tests, and on site observations. Finally, the hydraulic behaviour of relief drainage columns based on numerous experimental tests and numerical parametric studies is described.
Green and sustainable remediation of polluted sites: new concept, assessment tools, and challenges
Authors: REDDY Krishna , KUMAR Girish
Published: June 2018

Contaminated sites are one of the major environmental problems faced by many countries across the globe. In the United States alone, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has identified several tens of thousands of contaminated sites that need remediation, many of which are on the national priority list requiring urgent remedial action. The conventional approach to contaminated site remediation involves identifying the contaminants of concern and their site‐specific risk‐based allowable concentrations to which the contaminant concentrations at the site must be reduced by employing certain suitable remediation technologies. However, the choice of remedial technology for the contaminated site remediation is largely driven by the potential of the technology to reduce the contaminant concentrations to the target risk‐based levels, cost, time and ease of implementation of the remediation technology at the site. This approach does not address the potential negative environmental impacts from the enormous use of energy and resources by the remediation activities. Consequently, the broader environmental impacts such as the toxic air emissions, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and other environmental waste streams that result from their use are unaccounted. Hence, the net environmental benefit from the site remediation always remains questionable. In recent years, a more holistic approach of green and sustainable remediation, involving the quantification of net environmental, economic, and social impacts/benefits from site remediation activities is given great importance to achieve sustainable development. This study presents a brief overview on the concept of green and sustainable remediation along with triple bottom line sustainability assessment of the potential remedial alternatives in contaminated site remediation. A list of existing tools for sustainable remediation is identified and their relative effectiveness in sustainability assessment of remediation technologies is discussed. Finally, some of the major challenges and opportunities associated with implementation of sustainable remediation are highlighted.
Some data on long term large screw pile group behavior
Authors: VAN IMPE William F. , VAN IMPE Peter O. , MANZOTTI Alice
Published: June 2018

This article is not available for publication.
Performance of liquefaction assessment method based on combined use of cone penetration testing and shear wave velocity measurement
Authors: BÁN Zoltán , MAHLER András , GYŐRI Erzsébet
Published: June 2018

This article is not available for publication.
Some methodological aspects of vulnerability and threat evaluation with natural geological processes in Svaneti (Georgia)
Authors: EGIAZAROVA Diana , ROGAVA David
Published: June 2018

For most countries, protecting the population from geological disaster, maintaining ecosystems and safe functioning of engineering‐economic objects became the most important social‐economic, demographic and ecological problem. This problem is present in Georgia, where the mountainous relief is 70 %. Among them the main place takes Zemo Svaneti region, located on the south slope of the Central Caucasus and which 66 % is located above 2000 m asl. This region is particularly vulnerable to natural geological processes, as mudslides, snow‐glacial avalanches and landslides, which have serious effect on the human's life, infrastructure, ecology etc. Large activation of geological disaster is due to climate change, human's high pressure on geological environment and often earthquakes. To identify the hazards and risks of geological disaster, it is necessary to rate the situation, to identify the processes with considering baseline substrates and external promoting factors, also to region processes according to individual hazards with management and engineering events.
Untersuchung und Sanierung von Rutschungen in heterogen geschichtetem Baugrund
Authors: JUNG Stefan
Published: June 2018

Kurzfassung

Zur erdstatischen Berechnung von Rutschungen sind diskrete Schichtfolgen bei heterogen geschichtetem Baugrund mit engräumig wechselnden Böden mittels analytischer und numerischer Methoden meist nicht zutreffend modellierbar. Zudem sind häufig auch unstetige Sickerwasserführungen und Stauwasser‐bildungen verantwortlich für lokal reduzierte Scherfestigkeiten und eintretende Verformungen. Eine geeignete Vorgehensweise zur Untersuchung und Sanierung derart unstetiger Baugrundverhältnisse wird am Beispiel einer Rutschung einer ehemaligen, 40 m tiefen Kiesgrube mit 500 m langen Böschungen in der bayerischen Süßwassermolasse aufgezeigt. Anhand von erdstatischen Parameterstudien wurden Einflussfaktoren untersucht und in Berechnungsmodellen zusammengefasst, die durch Rückrechnung eingetretener Rutschungen kalibriert und verifiziert wurden. Im Zuge des Risikomanagements wurden Gefährdungspotentiale beurteilt und auf Grundlage der Berechnungsergebnisse zielgerichtete Sanierungsvarianten erarbeitet.
Levees categorization in Zagreb area
Authors: RAVNJAK Katarina , GRGET Goran , MATEŠIĆ Leo , DAŠIĆ Goran
Published: June 2018

On the Sava River in Zagreb area, levees were built for flood protection. In September 2010 there was levee breach on the right river bank and wide populated area was flooded. In many other locations on the levees there have been intensified seepage detected. In order to explore the problems more thoroughly and take measures that would mitigate the risk from flooding, an analysis of the existing state of these levees with their categorization was made. Within it, a detailed visual inspection was carried out with the annotations and photo documentation. In the next step followed the geotechnical investigation works and numerical analysis. The final categorization and assessment was made based on these results. This categorization provided exact locations where specific actions need to be taken: wide range of actions from the visual inspection of regular river watch to the installation of monitoring equipment and monitoring itself. The aim of this article is to present the results of detailed categorization on newly discovered critical sections and on those that were already known as critical.
Rockfall simulation on a rock slope along E75 road at km 890+725 to 891+093
Authors: ABOLMASOV B. , MARJANOVIĆ M. , MILENKOVIĆ S. , PEJIĆ M. , BERISAVLJEVIĆ Z.
Published: June 2018

This article is not available for publication.
Predicting the impact of underground constructions on adjacent structures as an element of investment risk assessment
Authors: BOGUSZ Witold , GODLEWSKI Tomasz
Published: June 2018

As highly urbanized areas are becoming more populated, the need for further investments increases. Due to high land prices in the cities’ centres, investors often tend to make the most of available space above ground. At the same time, every year, the underground space is being developed to a larger extent. An underground part of a structure can often stretch across the entire available land, while an excavation is protected by retaining walls constructed directly next to existing buildings and infrastructures. One of the main challenges associated with underground structures, including tunnels, metro lines, and any kind of deep excavation, is the impact of the new investment on existing structures adjacent to the developed site. As these structures are often highly susceptible to excavation‐induced ground movements, their behaviour should be considered as one of the geotechnical‐related limit states. The paper discusses the impact of new investments on existing structures as a way of assessing and managing geotechnical risk inherent in the use of underground space.
Risk mitigation measures against falling rock at Jelicni vrh
Authors: JOVIČIĆ Vojkan , GALUF Saša , MUHIĆ Elvir
Published: June 2018

Jelični Vrh is a steep cliff located above the main road Ljubljana –Idrija on the important connection between the Slovenian Central and Primorska regions. The falling rock is constantly endangering the traffic on the road. Additionally, there is an overhang block of rock at the top of the cliff that distinguishes this location in terms of high geotechnical hazard. The risk assessment for the management of the geotechnical hazard assessed two scenarios, one for constantly falling rock and the second for the major rock fall event, which can be caused by the fall of the overhang blocks. The block of the overhang rock was assessed for the stability conditions and for the wider consequences of the passible fall. Several different solutions for the management of the geotechnical hazard, which were proposed, are described in the paper. The combination of the energy absorbing nets and the 105 m long reinforced concrete gallery were accepted as an optimum solution.
Gallery as rockfall protection measures on roads
Authors: KALKOVALIEVA TODOROSKA Sofija , STOILOVSKI Borche , JAKIMOVSKI Stole , SOTIROSKI Ljupco
Published: June 2018

The risk represents probability for activation of certain geological processes, i.e. processes in geological area provoked from technical activity, including material damages and human victims. The hazard represents probability for activation of certain geological or process in geological area provoked from technical activity, including its intensity and scope. During risk assessment should take into consideration the fact that it is necessary to analyze the potential risks in future. The proper approach for risk management is reducing the risk level, if it's economically and commercial practicable. This paper includes risks assessment and the protection measures on the express road direction A3, section Ohrid – Peshtani and all necessary investigation works performed in order to obtain geotechnical features of the present soil materials and rock formations, essential for the presented analysis.
Methodology of geotechnical risk analysis for a steep creeping slope at a 160m high valley bridge
Authors: KATZENBACH Rolf , BERGMANN Christiane
Published: June 2018

This article is not available for publication.
Construction management in zones with landslide risk
Authors: LUNGU Irina , COPILAU Jenel , STANCIU Anghel , BEJAN Florin
Published: June 2018

The general programmes for risk management related to landslide are focused on developing societies able to manage this phenomenon, in order to reduce post‐event losses and initiate an economical and social recovery cycle as short as possible. These programmes are continuously upgraded and developed mainly on the basis of geo‐engineering research. Research outputs are useful in improving legal documents in order to promote the land use by acknowledging its value as economic development resource that should be responsibly used. The regional vulnerability to landslides in Romania is marked as high, especially in projects with a high rate of implementation during the last decade. The paper presents proposals of some structured approaches in construction management related to landslide prone zones, for infrastructure projects in the metropolitan areas of cities; the proposals are accompanied by the analysis of the current applied geotechnical engineering methodology in order to reduce the landslide risk related to Slatina town in Romania.
Transforming tomorrow with innovative steel solutions for flood protection
Authors: MACIJAUSKAS Darius , HECHLER Oliver , GREGOR Oliver
Published: June 2018

This article describes innovative steel sheet pile solutions to protect urban areas from floodings. Recent examples, like the successful protection of the Weser Stadium in Bremen against storm surge Axel in 2017, demonstrate that steel sheet pile walls are fast to implement and fit for purpose during a hazardous event. In addition, steel sheet piles, as construction product, are a major actor in the circular economy. It's because they can be re‐used up to 10 times, and later recycled into new steel products. Finally, a method to evaluate water discharge through steel sheet pile walls is presented and reworked with examples for practical application.
Specific factors of the hilly areas of the Getic Subcarpathians of Romania for the determination slip hazard
Authors: MALANCU Teodor , MANEA Sanda
Published: June 2018

Considering the analysis performed upon the natural and antropic factors of the most important values of the Sub‐Carpathian hills in Romania, according to the Romanian Government Decision no.447/200, a study regarding the factors intended to reduce the negative impacts that can generate loss of life and significant material damage, is necessary to be carried out. The landslide hazard maps are very usefull for the identification of the future feasible investments on transport infrastructure in the context of the locally accelerated development. Therefore, detailed maps based on regional research of slopes and geotechnical studies would be highly appreciated. The specificity of the hilly area of the Subcarpathians, which is a hostile enviroment and is constantly changing from geomorphological (for the variation of the relief features and the elements of the earth surface), anthropogenic, geological and hydrogeological point of view, the peculiarity of the hilly area of the Subcarpathians consists of being an hostile and constantly changing environment.