bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue homeostasis in sponges: Quantitative analysis of cell proliferation and apoptosis
Authors: Melnikov Nikolai P. , Bolshakov Fyodor V. , Frolova Veronika S. , Skorentseva Kseniia V. , Ereskovsky Alexander V. , Saidova Alina A. , Lavrov Andrey I.
Published: April 2022

Tissues of multicellular animals are maintained due to a tight balance between cell proliferation and programmed cell death. Sponges are early branching metazoans essential to understanding the key mechanisms of tissue homeostasis. This article is dedicated to the comparative analysis of proliferation and apoptosis in intact tissues of two sponges, Halisarca dujardinii (class Demospongiae) and Leucosolenia variabilis (class Calcarea). Labeled nucleotides EdU and anti‐phosphorylated histone 3 antibodies reveal a considerable number of cycling cells in intact tissues of both species. Quantitative DNA staining reveals the classic cell cycle distribution curve. The main type of cycling cells are choanocytes ‐ flagellated cells of the aquiferous system. The rate of proliferation remains constant throughout various areas of sponge bodies that contain choanocytes. The EdU tracking experiments conducted in H. dujardinii indicate that choanocytes may give rise to mesohyl cells through migration. The number of apoptotic cells in tissues of both species is insignificant, although being comparable to the renewing tissues of other animals. In vivo studies with tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester and CellEvent Caspase‐3/7 indicate that apoptosis might be independent of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization. Altogether, a combination of confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry provides a quantitative description of cell proliferation and apoptosis in sponges displaying either rapid growth or cell turnover.
Novel developed HPLC analyses of [68Ga]Ga/[177Lu]Lu‐EDTMP and [68Ga]Ga/[177Lu]Lu‐DOTA‐Zoledronate
Authors: Eryilmaz Kurtulus , Bakar Hasan Ensar , Kilbas Benan
Published: April 2022

Radiolabeled phosphonates have found widespread applications in nuclear medicine for the treatment of bone metastases. Even though considerable attention has been devoted to the administration of radiolabeled phosphonates to the patients, quality control (QC) studies belong to detection of them are still speculative and need to be improved. Herein, practical, efficient, and more reliable high‐performance liquid chromatograpy (HPLC) methods were described for the first time. Radiochemical purity was easily determined by our developed analytical methods. N,N‐Dimethylhexylamine and N,N‐dimethyltetradecylamine were furnished as suitable ion pair reagents for the identification of radiopharmaceutical products. Effects of column type, pH of the mobile phase, and salt concentration were also examined.
Culture and identification of a “Deltamicron” SARS‐CoV‐2 in a three cases cluster in southern France
Authors: Colson Philippe , Fournier Pierre‐Edouard , Delerce Jeremy , Million Matthieu , Bedotto Marielle , Houhamdi Linda , Yahi Nouara , Bayette Jeremy , Levasseur Anthony , Fantini Jacques , Raoult Didier , La Scola Bernard
Published: April 2022

Multiple SARS‐CoV‐2 variants have successively, or concomitantly spread worldwide since the summer of 2020. A few co‐infections with different variants were reported and genetic recombinations, common among coronaviruses, were reported or suspected based on co‐detection of signature mutations of different variants in a given genome. Here we report three infections in southern France with a Delta 21J_AY.4‐Omicron 21K/BA.1 “Deltamicron” recombinant. The hybrid genome harbors signature mutations of the two lineages, supported by a mean sequencing depth of 1163–1421 reads and a mean nucleotide diversity of 0.1%–0.6%. It is composed of the near full‐length spike gene (from codons 156–179) of an Omicron 21K/BA.1 variant in a Delta 21J/AY.4 lineage backbone. Importantly, we cultured an isolate of this recombinant and sequenced its genome. It was observed by scanning electron microscopy. As it is misidentified with current variant screening quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), we designed and implemented for routine diagnosis a specific duplex qPCR. Finally, structural analysis of the recombinant spike suggested its hybrid content could optimize viral binding to the host cell membrane. These findings prompt further studies of the virological, epidemiological, and clinical features of this recombinant.
Shifting to Transparent/Hazy Properties: The Case of Alginate/Network Cellulose All‐Polysaccharide Composite Films
Authors: Aburabie Jamaliah , Eskhan Asma , Hashaikeh Raed
Published: April 2022

Light‐management films made entirely from natural polymers with tunable haze properties are developed via a facile approach. A novel green method based simply on the blending of network cellulose (NC)/water suspension with alginate (CaAlg) aqueous solution is proposed. The unique NC suspension created by a controlled hydrolysis of microcrystalline cellulose acts as the scatterer media while alginate serves as the transparent host matrix. NC features isotropic intertwined network of nanofibers that contributes to light scattering and produces optical haze. The opaque but hazy NC is dispersed purposefully in the alginate film, where its original properties are preserved owing to its poor solubility in water. Additionally, the dispersion notably increases the roughness of the composite film surface and acts as a light scatterer. Eventually, composite CaAlg/NC film with high transparency (>94%) and customized haze (15–73%) at 550 cm−1 wavelength is fabricated. Herein, the transparent alginate is successfully combined with the hazy cellulose of uniformly distributed nanofibers by blending to fabricate transparent/hazy all‐natural films. The fabricated films exhibit high transparency with tailored transmission haze. The film is highly fitting for large‐scale production and adequate to meet different haze requirements to accommodate different applications such as privacy protection films and antiglare/antireflection coatings.
Effect of time delay on dynamic of plant competition under allelopathy
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Dipesh
Published: April 2022

In this paper, a mathematical model is applied to investigate the effect of density of allelochemicals on plant population involving delay. The model is constructed using a system of nonlinear delay differential equations. In the model, there are three state variables: plant populations (P1 & P2) and density of allelochemical (T). It is assumed that in the presence of density of allelochemicals, plant populations are affected. It further delays the conversion of resource into the density of allelochemicals and hence affects the plant population adversely. This effect is observed by using delay in the competition model. Equilibrium points are calculated. Using the Routh–Hurwitz theorem, certain explicit formulations defining the stability and path of the Hopf‐bifurcation periodic solutions at the positive equilibrium are obtained. Further, the direction of these bifurcating periodic solutions is also studied. Numerical simulation and graphical support are provided for analytical findings using MATLAB.
A compact single‐layer wideband filtering antenna with capacitively loaded short‐circuited parasitic patches
Authors: Yan Dong , Pan Shuai‐Yu , Guo Bao‐Cang , Hu Kun‐Zhi , Bi He‐Sheng , Wang Rui‐Qiong , Xie Haofei
Published: April 2022

A compact single‐layer wideband filtering antenna with a simple structure is presented in this letter. It consists of a rectangular driven patch, a pair of short‐circuited parasitic patches, and two pairs of rectangular slots. A short‐circuited parasitic patch is employed to capacitively load at each radiating edge of the driven patch to enhance the impedance bandwidth and facilitate filtering response. Based on this arrangement, a radiation null at the upper stopband is generated due to the effect of multipath coupling so as to improve the upper stopband frequency selectivity. Moreover, two pairs of slots are etched into the driven patch to produce an in‐band resonance and a radiation null at the lower‐band edge to further broaden the impedance bandwidth and enhance the lower stopband frequency selectivity. A prototype of the developed filtering antenna with a center frequency of 4.96 GHz is fabricated and tested for validation. The measured values are consistent with the simulated ones, indicating a wide impedance bandwidth of 16.5% (4.55–5.37 GHz), and a maximum realized gain of 6.3 dBi. Compared with the previously reported filtering antenna, the developed filtering antenna can achieve a wideband filtering response even with a low profile of 0.026λ0and a small antenna size of 0.19λ02.
Solid particle erosion, water absorption and thickness swelling behavior of intra ply Kevlar/PALF fiber epoxy hybrid composites
Authors: Jeyaguru Sangilimuthukumar , Thiagamani Senthil Muthu Kumar , Rajkumar Arpitha Gulihonnehalli , Rangappa Sanjay Mavinkere , Siengchin Suchart
Published: April 2022

In this investigation, the different weaving pattern of intra ply Kevlar and pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) reinforced with epoxy hybrid composites was fabricated using the compression molding method. Solid particle erosion wear properties, water absorption, and thickness swelling behavior were tested. Solid particle erosion wear properties were tested using an air‐jet erosion tester. The various factors for solid particle erosion test were taken as impingement angle, exposure time, and weaving pattern. The weaving pattern was varied as plain type, twill type, basket type. The result showed that basket weave type and pure Kevlar fiber reinforced epoxy composites have better water absorption and thickness swelling properties. The results from the solid particle erosion test indicated that twill type and pure Kevlar fiber reinforced epoxy composites showed superior erosion wear resistance compared to other composites. Further, the statistical analysis was carried out using Taguchi analysis and their results showed that twill type Kevlar/PALF reinforced with epoxy composite was a minimum erosion wear rate at 90° of impingement angle and 6 min exposure time. The erosion mechanism of the surface eroded composite specimens was investigated using scanning electron microscopy.
In‐situ monitoring of glass fiber/epoxy composites by the embedded multi‐walled carbon nanotube coated glass fiber sensor: From fabrication to application
Authors: Wan Yun , Hu Wenlong , Yang Lulu , Wang Ziyue , Tan Jianping , Liu Ying , Wang Fangxin , Yang Bin
Published: April 2022

Monitoring the curing defects as well as damages that occur in the fabrication and application process is important for ensuring the safety of composite structures. In this paper, a highly sensitive 1‐D line sensor is designed to achieve self‐sensing and diagnosing functionalities in both the fabrication and application of glass fiber reinforced epoxy (GF/epoxy) composites. The sensor consists of multi‐walled carbon nanotube coated glass fiber (MWCNT@GF), which is sensing the damage by the principle of resistance change. Due to the vacuum‐assisted resin infusion process, the MWCNT@GF sensor is embedded into GF/epoxy composite laminates, and hence, it can monitor the resin frontal flow, curing, and especially the flow defects. In the subsequent application, the tensile performance of a GF/epoxy composite joint is evaluated by not only the force‐displacement curve but also the displacement‐dependent resistance change of the sensor. Tensile damage modes are distinguished, which is for the first time to be reported. The MWCNT@GF sensor is mechanically stable and highly sensitive; hence, it can be used to follow the composite performance from fabrication until the end of life.
Optimization of a gas–liquid plasma reactor for water treatment applications: Design guidelines and electrical circuit considerations
Authors: Nau‐Hix Chase , Holsen Thomas M. , Mededovic Thagard Selma
Published: April 2022

To provide insights into the design, optimization, and scale up of plasma reactors for water treatment, the influences of discharge energy, grounded electrode size and position, and number of high voltage (HV) discharge points on the production of reactive species and the degradation of 1,4‐dioxane and perfluorooctanoic acid in a gas–liquid electrical discharge plasma reactor were assessed. Discharge energy and plasma area largely control the treatment effectiveness. Increasing the number of discharge points lowers the voltage in the reactor and consequently the production rates of reactive species. Bench‐scale findings apply directly to large volume systems, resulting in the highest contaminant removal rates using a single HV electrode and a grounded electrode spanning the entirety of the treatment zone.
Examining the Effect of Trimethylol Propane Crosslinker on Butanetriol Trinitrate Plasticized Polycaprolactone Polymer Networks of Propellant Binder System
Authors: Santosh Mada SSNM , Sadavarte Vaibhav S , Kumar Amit , Pande Shrikant M , Kulkarni Prashant S
Published: April 2022

The knowledge of polymer network characteristics is important to tune the properties of advanced energetic propellants based on nitrate ester plasticized polyol binder system. In this article, plasticized polyurethane networks of polycaprolactone (PCP) and hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) with different crosslinker content [0 to 0.20 parts] at various stoichiometric
ratios (r‐value) [0.8 to 1.0] were studied. Five numbers of polyurethane networks of 1,2,4‐butanediol trinitrate (BTTN) plasticised PCP were formulated at each r value 0.8, 0.9 and 1.0 using 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 parts of trimethylolpropane (TMP) crosslinker. Similarly, five numbers of dioctyl adipate (DOA) plasticized HTPB based polyurethane networks were formulated at r‐value of 0.8. FT‐IR spectra of these polyurethane networks (PUNs) were recorded for functional group identification. Stress‐strain behavior of PUNs was studied for understanding the effect of TMP content and r value on mechanical properties. Hard segment content of PUNs were calculated and its influence on network characteristics and mechanical properties was evaluated. CLD values (ν) increased with increase of hard segment content of PUN and the values quantified by different approaches followed the trend νe (by solvent swelling method) > νne2(by Initial modulus method)>νne1 (by Mooney Rivlin method).
On the Promotion of TKX‐50 Thermal Activity with Aluminum
Authors: Wang Di , Guo Xueyong , Wang Zhenghong , Wang Shuji , Wu Chengcheng , Zhao Wanjun , Fang Hua
Published: April 2022

It is significant to investigate the effect of aluminum (Al) on the thermal activity of Dihydroxylammonium 5, 5′‐bistetrazole‐1, 1′‐diolate (TKX‐50) for the application of TKX‐50‐based composite solid propellant. In this work, TKX‐50/Al composites with different particle sizes and contents of Al were blended, and the thermal decomposition and combustion properties were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal decomposition kinetic methods, laser ignition experiments, and constant‐volume combustion cell test. The results showed that the exothermic peak temperatures for thermal decomposition of TKX‐50 were gradually advanced with the decrease of Al particle size. With the increase of Al nanoparticles (nAl) content, the peak temperatures of TKX‐50 first decreased and then increased. As the content of nAl was 50 %, the activation energy of TKX‐50 changed from 226.51 kJ ⋅ mol−1 to 215.23 kJ ⋅ mol−1, and the critical temperature of thermal explosion decreased by 13.54 °C after the addition of nAl. In addition, a small amount of nAl could promote the combustion of TKX‐50 that is reflected on the accelerated burning rate, increased maximum combustion pressure and pressurization rate. Overall, nAl with high specific surface area and high reactivity is a great thermal activity enhancement additive for TKX‐50.
Iterative learning guaranteed cost control based on two‐dimensional Roesser systems subject to denial‐of‐service attacks and fading measurements
Authors: Yu Wei , Huang Deqing , Bu Xuhui , Qin Na
Published: April 2022

In this article, the network‐based iterative learning guaranteed cost control problem for the linear systems subject to denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks at input and output (I/O) sides is studied via faded channels. First, the DoS attacks are modeled by independent Bernoulli sequences, where the expectation and variance are known. The fading measurements in I/O channels are described as independent Gaussian distributions with known expectations and variances respectively. Then, the repetitive system and the proposed ILC scheme involving both the iteration and time axes are transformed into a random two‐dimensional (2D) Roesser model by using the 2D system theory. The mean‐square asymptotic stability is introduced and followed by the definition of guaranteed cost function. Next, sufficient conditions that can not only ensure the asymptotic stability but also the cost index are derived. By applying the linear matrix inequality technology, the gain matrices and the upper bound of the control cost are further obtained. After exploring the adverse effect brought by the random fading phenomenon, a compensation algorithm is then designed and the analysis is strictly deduced. Finally, an injection molding process example is given to confirm the validity of the design.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Aminocarbonylation of Heteroaryl Iodides
Authors: Gajanan  , Rathod K. , Jain Rahul
Published: April 2022

Palladium‐catalyzed aminocarbonylation of heteroaryl iodides is reported in the presence of chloroform as the carbon monoxide surrogate. The substrate scope of the reaction was demonstrated by the synthesis of quinoline‐3‐carboxamides and other heteroaryl amides in yields up to 90 % under non‐inert conditions and microwave irradiation at 80 °C in 30 min. This carbonylation method provides efficient access to previously inaccessible biologically important heteroaryl carboxamides.
Structural Engineering of Cobalt‐Free Perovskite Enables Efficient and Durable Oxygen Reduction in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Dong Feifei , Ma Zilin , Ye Qirui , Zhang Bingkai , Li Lu , Yang Guangming , Ni Meng , Lin Zhan
Published: April 2022

Developing low‐cost, efficient, and durable cobalt‐free perovskite oxides for oxygen reduction reaction at intermediate‐to‐low temperatures is crucial to enhance the viability of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), a promising ingredient for establishing a more sustainable future. Herein, a highly active and robust cobalt‐free perovskite Ba0.75Sr0.25Fe0.95P0.05O3‐δ (BSFP) oxygen electrode via a facile co‐doping strategy for intermediate‐to‐low temperature SOFCs (ILT‐SOFCs) is reported by a combined experimental and theoretical approach. Attributed to stable and oxygen defect‐rich structure, and remarkable intrinsic oxygen transport kinetics, the BSFP cathode shows exceptional catalytic performance, including record‐level power output among iron‐based perovskite cathodes (1464 mW cm–2 at 600 °C), low area‐specific resistance (≈0.1 Ω cm2 at 600 °C), robust stability both in symmetrical and single cell configurations, and outstanding CO2 tolerance/reversibility. The first‐principle calculations validate the role of co‐doping of strontium and phosphorus for the high activity and durability. Central to this work is the combined experiment‐calculation approach to point to an effective strategy in the development of highly active and stable perovskite‐type cathodes for ILT‐SOFCs and related applications.
Exploring Singlish as a Pedagogical Resource in the ELT Classroom: Implementing Bidialectal Pedagogy in Singapore
Authors: Lu Luke
Published: April 2022

Despite the prevalence of Singlish use among the Singaporean public, the vernacular is often seen as “bad English” without rules and grammar, or cast as an impediment to learning the standard register (Wee, 2005). This rhetoric is reproduced by the state (Chang, 2016), often involving the fear that speakers are unable to distinguish and deploy the two varieties appropriately. It is therefore unsurprising that bidialectal strategies involving Standard English and Singlish have never been officially endorsed by the state in its ELT classrooms. This is despite the suggestion for intervention in schools the last 20 years (Alsagoff, 2016; Fong, Lim & Wee, 2002; Tupas, 2018). This study presents findings from a definitive attempt at implementing such bidialectal pedagogy in Singapore in a mainstream secondary school. The study involved strategies for teaching Standard English and Singlish as two separate registers appropriate for specific contexts. Lessons were 1 hour per week, over 8 weeks, and were taught to two classes of 13‐year‐old Secondary One students. In the study, students were able to negotiate and contest the appropriateness of Singlish in specific situations, while deploying Singlish and Standard English features appropriately in written tasks (i.e., designing advertisements for various products). This suggests that Singlish can be a useful pedagogical resource in the development of critical language awareness (Alim, 2005), and that prevalent discourses surrounding the use of Singlish and Standard English by Singaporean students severely underestimate the proficiencies that they possess.
Impact of replacing or adding pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A at 11–13 weeks on screening for preterm pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Wah Y. M. I. , Sahota D. S. , Chaemsaithong P. , Wong L. , Kwan A. H. W. , Ting Y. H. , Law K. M. , Leung T. Y. , Poon L. C.
Published: April 2022

Objective

To assess whether pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) alters or provides equivalent screening performance as placental growth factor (PlGF) when screening for preterm pre‐eclampsia (PE) at 11–13 weeks of gestation.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of a non‐intervention screening study of 6546 singleton pregnancies that were screened prospectively for preterm PE in the first trimester between December 2016 and June 2018. Patient‐specific risks for preterm PE were estimated by maternal history, mean arterial pressure (MAP), uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI), PlGF and PAPP‐A. A competing‐risks model with biomarkers expressed as multiples of the median was used. All women and clinicians were blinded to the risk for preterm PE. The performance of screening for preterm PE using PlGF vs PAPP‐A vs both PAPP‐A and PlGF was assessed by comparing areas under the receiver‐operating‐characteristics (AUC) curves. McNemar's test was used to compare detection rate at a fixed false‐positive rate (FPR) of 10%.

Results

PlGF and PAPP‐A were measured in 6546 women, of whom 37 developed preterm PE. The AUC and detection rate at 10% FPR using PlGF in combination with maternal history, MAP and UtA‐PI were 0.854 and 59.46%, respectively. The respective values were 0.813 and 51.35% when replacing PlGF with PAPP‐A and 0.855 and 59.46% when using both PAPP‐A and PlGF. Statistically non‐significant differences were noted in AUC when replacing PlGF with PAPP‐A (ΔAUC, 0.04; P = 0.095) and when using both PAPP‐A and PlGF (ΔAUC, 0.002; P = 0.423). However, on an individual case basis, screening using PlGF in conjunction with maternal history, MAP and UtA‐PI identified three (8.1%) additional pregnancies that developed preterm PE and that were not identified when replacing PlGF with PAPP‐A. Screening using PAPP‐A in addition to maternal history and other biomarkers did not identify any additional pregnancies.

Conclusion

On an individual case basis, adoption of a screening strategy that uses PAPP‐A instead of PlGF results in reduced detection of preterm PE, consistent with previous literature. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Perinatal and neurodevelopmental outcome in complicated monochorionic pregnancy after selective fetal reduction: radiofrequency ablation vs microwave ablation
Authors: Wu T. , Gong X. , Wang X. , Li L. , Chen Z. , Yuan P. , Xie J. , Gong L. , Wang X. , Zhao Y. , Wei Y.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To summarize our experience in the application of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) for selective fetal reduction in complicated monochorionic pregnancies and compare the perinatal outcome of the two techniques.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of data from a consecutive cohort of all monochorionic twin pregnancies that underwent selective fetal reduction with RFA or MWA at Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China from January 2012 to December 2018. All surviving cotwins were followed up to assess their neurodevelopment using the Age & Stage Questionnaire, Chinese version. Perinatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes were compared between the RFA and MWA groups. We also fitted multivariable models to test the association between procedure‐related factors and the main perinatal outcomes, including preterm birth (PTB) < 37 weeks' gestation, intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) of the cotwin, adverse outcome (defined as occurrence of IUFD of the cotwin, termination of pregnancy or PTB < 28 weeks) and overall survival.

Results

In total, 45 cases (42 twin and three triplet pregnancies) underwent RFA and 126 cases (105 twin and 21 triplet pregnancies) underwent MWA. The overall survival rates in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies were similar between the RFA and MWA groups (61.0% vs 67.0%; P = 0.494). However, pregnancies whose indication for fetal reduction was selective intrauterine growth restriction or twin reversed arterial perfusion had higher overall survival rates (75.5% and 82.6%, respectively) compared with those in other indication groups. A total of 104 children were followed up (20 in the RFA group and 84 in the MWA group); four (20.0%) and eight (9.5%) children were assessed as having overall developmental delay in the RFA and MWA groups, respectively, with no significant difference between the two groups. Multivariable analyses showed that procedure indication, number of ablation cycles and gestational age at procedure were associated significantly with the main perinatal outcomes.

Conclusions

RFA and MWA for selective fetal reduction in complicated monochorionic pregnancies can achieve similar overall survival rate and neurodevelopmental outcome, but MWA is associated with a lower risk of preterm birth. Moreover, procedure‐related factors are associated significantly with perinatal outcome. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The Synthesis of Tris(silyl)silanides Revisited. A Study of Reactivity and Stability
Authors: Lainer Thomas , Fischer Roland C. , Haas Michael
Published: April 2022

In this contribution, we investigated the stability of (H3Si)3SiLi (2a) in the presence of tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) and 1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (DPPE). Moreover, the synthesis to obtain tris(silyl)silanides with alternated counter ions by the base mediated desilylation approach was described. Additionally, metal‐metal exchange reactions of 2 a with MgBr2, ZnCl2, HgCl2 were examined. Subsequently, we reacted 2 a with 1.0 and 0.5 equivalents of ZnCl2[TMEDA] and could obtain the isolable zinc substituted silanides 5 a,b. Finally, we reacted 2 a with equimolar amounts of [(MesNacnac)MgI(OEt2)] and [(DippNacnac)MgI(OEt2)] and found the selective transmetalation to the corresponding magnesium substituted silanides 6 a,b in good yields. Interestingly, for compounds 5 a,b and 6 a,b the removal of the reaction solvents did not induce a degradation. For compound 6 a crystals suitable for X‐ray analysis could be grown, which represents the first structural characterization of an isolable perhydrogenated hypersilanide.
Truck Platoon Slipstream Effects Assessment
Authors: Kospach Alexander , Irrenfried Christoph
Published: April 2022

With the increase of stringent emission standards and higher road transportation cycles in the last few decades, the importance of transport and fuel efficiency plays a major role. The aerodynamic forces on trucks have a huge impact of the overall fuel consumption rate. For a 40 tonnes semi-trailer truck at 85 km/h on a flat highway, around 40% of the provided engine power is needed to overcome the air resistance (Hucho in Aerodynamik des Automobils. Vieweg + Teubner, Wiesbaden, [1]). An efficient way to reduce the aerodynamic drag of trucks is to build a platoon of trucks. To assess the potential of a truck platoon due to slipstream effect, computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations were conducted. The simulations were performed for a platoon with three trucks for different constant velocities at different inter-vehicle distances. The results are summarised in a normalised drag coefficient and fuel reduction map. As a limiting factor of platooning, the thermal management aspect must be considered, because the slipstream reduces the air mass flow through the engine compartment. This aspect of reduced air mass flow through the engine compartment was analysed as well.
Inspiration from a Father: Johan Galtung
Authors:   Interviewed by Henrik Urdal
Published: April 2022

“The Second World War had a lasting effect on me. Especially because my beloved father was imprisoned....” In this interview, PRIO’s main founder Johan Galtung (b. 1930) talks about his family background and the impact of the Second World War on his generation. He recounts his discovery of Gandhi’s teachings, his time in prison as a conscientious objector to military service and his later life as a transdisciplinary peace researcher, transcending national borders.
Truth and Logic for a More Peaceful World: Kristian Berg Harpviken
Authors:   Interviewed by Arne Strand
Published: April 2022

“I sense a political climate with a potential to make the world dramatically worse.” In this conversation with his friend and colleague Arne Strand, former PRIO director Kristian Berg Harpviken (b. 1961) expresses deep worries for the future of democracy and respect for factual truth. Kristian and Arne reflect together on their decades-long experience in Afghanistan.
On the Road to Peace: Wenche Iren Hauge
Authors:   Interviewed by Åshild Kolås
Published: April 2022

Bangladesh, Colombia, Guatemala, Haiti, Madagascar, Nepal, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Tunisia. In this interview, Wenche Iren Hauge (b. 1959) traces her life trajectory from a youthful traveller to becoming one of PRIO’s most experienced fieldworkers and reflects on what it takes for a peace process to be successful.
PRIO’s State Feminist: Helga Hernes
Authors:   Interviewed by Kristian Berg Harpviken
Published: April 2022

Helga Hernes (b. 1938), born in Germany and educated in the US, moved to Norway in 1970 and came to PRIO in 2006, after retiring as a professor at the University of Oslo. Commonly known as Norway’s “state feminist,” she became the doyen of PRIO’s gender research. In this interview she shares her memories from her childhood in Germany through her US experience to her career as a Norwegian diplomat, academic and overseer of intelligence services.
Searching the Archives for a Missing Peace: Hilde Henriksen Waage
Authors:   Interviewed by Henrik Syse
Published: April 2022

Senior Norwegian foreign service officers called her thesis “indecent and slanderous” and demanded forty changes in her text before they would allow it to be published. With her revelations about Norway’s role in the conflict between Israel, the Palestinians and the surrounding states, Hilde Henriksen Waage (b. 1959) became PRIO’s most controversial researcher in the 1990s–2000s. In this interview, she recounts how she “fought back” and reflects on her leadership roles at PRIO.
Uniting Nations for Peace: Ingrid Eide
Authors:   Interviewed by Stein Tønnesson
Published: April 2022

“When people ask what peace is, I urge them to tell me what they associate with war. They answer death, destruction … Then I suggest that peace could be the opposite: life, construction….” The sociologist Ingrid Eide (b. 1933), one of PRIO’s founders, speaks in this interview about her lifelong engagement for the United Nations, about her marriages with two leading peace researchers, and her approach to the concept of peace.
Peace Is More Than the Absence of War: Inger Skjelsbæk
Authors:   Interviewed by Cindy Horst
Published: April 2022

“If peace is just the absence of war, then you have peace lots of places. But if peace is also well-being and resilience to conflicts, then it is more challenging.” In this interview, the peace psychologist Inger Skjelsbæk (b. 1969) engages with peace theory and explains how she came to focus her research on conflict-related sexual violence in the former Yugoslavia as part of her engagement with gender and conflict.
A Social Democratic Peace: Nils Petter Gleditsch
Authors:   Interviewed by Hilde Henriksen Waage
Published: April 2022

“I have come to realize that economic cooperation and development are important drivers of peace.” In this interview, PRIO’s main veteran researcher Nils Petter Gleditsch (b. 1942) explains his role in exposing Norway’s Cold War secrets, his work with democratic peace theory, and his essential role in developing PRIO and the Journal of Peace Research’s excellence in quantitative peace and conflict research.
Positive Solutions for Slightly Subcritical Elliptic Problems Via Orlicz Spaces
Authors: Cuesta Mabel , Pardo Rosa
Published: April 2022

This paper concerns semilinear elliptic equations involving sign-changing weight function and a nonlinearity of subcritical nature understood in a generalized sense. Using an Orlicz–Sobolev space setting, we consider superlinear nonlinearities which do not have a polynomial growth, and state sufficient conditions guaranteeing the Palais–Smale condition. We study the existence of a bifurcated branch of classical positive solutions, containing a turning point, and providing multiplicity of solutions.
Obvious Strategyproofness, Bounded Rationality and Approximation
Authors: Ferraioli Diodato , Ventre Carmine
Published: April 2022

Obvious strategyproofness (OSP) has recently emerged as the solution concept of interest to study incentive compatibility in presence of agents with a specific form of bounded rationality, i.e., those who have no contingent reasoning skill whatsoever. We here want to study the relationship between the approximation guarantee of incentive-compatible mechanisms and the degree of rationality of the agents, intuitively measured in terms of the number of contingencies that they can handle in their reasoning. We weaken the definition of OSP to accommodate for cleverer agents and study the trade-off between approximation and agents’ rationality for two paradigmatic problems: machine scheduling and facility location. We prove that, for both problems, “good” approximations are possible if and only if the agents’ rationality allows for a significant number of contingencies to be considered, thus showing that OSP is not too restrictive a notion of bounded rationality from the point of view of approximation.