bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transtorno e déficit de atenção e hiperatividade: integrando terapia complementar ao cuidado da criança/adolescente
Authors: Araujo Juliane Pagliari , Lima Luciana Cláudia Rizzo , Fernandes Juliana Gomes , Roecker Simone , Siraichi Jackeline Tiemy Guinoza
Published: December 2015

O estudo objetivou identificar o conhecimento de cuidadoras de crianças e adolescentes sobre o Transtorno e Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade (TDAH) e suas percepções quanto às mudanças no cotidiano e no convívio familiar após a participação em sessões de massagem Tui Na. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas gravadas nos meses de setembro a novembro de 2013, com nove cuidadoras das crianças e adolescentes com diagnóstico de TDAH que participaram das sessões de massagens. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo, com uma abordagem qualitativa. Identificou-se que algumas mães possuem pouco conhecimento sobre o transtorno dos filhos. Com relação à participação das crianças e adolescentes, foi relatado melhora na comunicação com a família, mais tranquilidade logo após a massagem, sono sereno, melhora do humor e rendimento escolar. As cuidadoras relataram que a participação das crianças e adolescentes nas sessões de massagem Tui Na foi produtiva, com aceitação por parte das crianças e adolescentes e com mudanças positivas no cotidiano e no convívio familiar. As participantes do estudo apontaram que enfrentar as dificuldades do TDAH no dia a dia faz com que ocorra a aproximação com seu filho, diminuindo a ansiedade e melhorando a qualidade de vida de toda a família. O compartilhamento de informações entre os profissionais de saúde e a família das crianças e adolescentes sobre o TDAH faz-se importante para a compreensão das mães sobre a patologia, bem como, para o acompanhamento e prosseguimento do tratamento.
Meduloblastoma: aspectos histológicos, moleculares e imunopatológicos
Authors: Clebis Victor Hugo , Pinheiro Karina Maturana , Martins Andressa Busetti , Feltran Danilo Koiti Matsuda , Harano Raquel Mitie , Ozawa Patricia Midori Murobushi , Ariza Carolina Batista , Oliveira Gabriela Gonçalves de , Watanabe Maria Angelica Ehara
Published: December 2015

O meduloblastoma é um tumor cerebelar caracterizado como tumor neuroectodérmico primitivo prevalente em crianças, sendo as do sexo masculinos as mais afetadas. Com relação à classificação histológica, existem cinco variações: clássico, desmoplásico, anaplásico, células gigantes e de extensa nodularidade. Muitos estudos relatam que a patogênese do meduloblastoma está relacionada com mutações em fatores de crescimento do SNC, sendo que as principais vias envolvidas são: Sonic Hedgehog, NOTCH, WNT e OTX. Ainda, com respeito à imunologia, pacientes com meduloblastoma apresentaram alta taxa de IFN-y no soro e células TH17 no sangue periférico, e foi observado que o TGF-B tem sido associado à estimulação mitogênica, o que pode estar relacionado à patogênese da doença. A predominância de uma resposta TH1 relacionada à sobrevivência também foi relatada. O desenvolvimento terapêutico para o meduloblastoma, apesar de limitado, é significativo, uma vez que este vem apresentando melhora na sobrevida de seus pacientes. Entretanto, um maior conhecimento dos mecanismos envolvidos na imunopatogênese é necessário para o desenvolvimento de novos fármacos e formas de tratamento.
The environment within production and distribution of school meals
Authors: Busato Maria Assunta , Pasa Ana Paula Benck , Silva Natali Letícia Provenci , Taglietti Roberta , Teo Carla Rosane Paz Arruda
Published: December 2015

O Guia Alimentar brasileiro reitera que o alimento deve ser seguro desde o seu plantio, transporte e até o armazenamento, elaboração e distribuição no ambiente escolar. Nessa perspectiva, esse estudo objetivou conhecer aspectos do ambiente, espaços físicos e o entorno dos locais onde é produzida e distribuída a alimentação escolar, as condições de manipulação dos alimentos bem como ações de educação ambiental. Foram analisadas 10 escolas da rede pública de um município do Oeste Catarinense. Foi aplicado um questionário semi-estruturado a um representante de cada escola e aos responsáveis pela manipulação e distribuição da alimentação escolar. Trata-se de instrumento adaptado, com base nas Resoluções da Diretoria Colegiada nº 216/2004 e n° 275/2002 da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. Observou-se que em todas as escolas há ações de educação ambiental; 90% (n=9) apresentam sistema de coleta seletiva de lixo e 20% (n=2) destinam os resíduos orgânicos para compostagem. Em 90% (n=9) das escolas, a água é proveniente da rede pública e 10% (n=1) utilizam água de poço artesiano. Nenhuma das escolas atende integralmente às normas sobre o estado de conservação e adequação das instalações físicas das áreas de produção e distribuição da alimentação escolar. Observou-se a presença de focos de contaminação nas imediações da maioria (70%, n=7) das escolas. Em todas elas, observaram-se adequações parciais à legislação em relação aos espaços físicos e do ambiente e a falta de orientação aos manipuladores. Isso evidencia que são necessárias ações corretivas e preventivas para solucionar as inadequações encontradas nas escolas.
Evolução da qualidade microbiológica e físico-química do leite pasteurizado
Authors: Gonzaga Natalia , Daniel Gabriela Casarotto , Mareze Juliana , Marioto Louise Rodrigues Mariano , Tamanini Ronaldo , Beloti Vanerli
Published: December 2015

A qualidade do leite é definida, entre outros parâmetros, por um reduzido número de micro-organismos deteriorantes, baixa contagem de células somáticas e ausência de patógenos e resíduos químicos. Diversos trabalhos realizados em diferentes regiões do país têm enfatizado o elevado percentual de amostras fora dos padrões. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a evolução da qualidade microbiológica e físico-química do leite pasteurizado produzido no Estado do Paraná ao longo de 7 anos. Foram analisadas 457 amostras de leite Pasteurizado, sendo 104 amostras no ano de 2008, 269 amostras em 2011 e 84 amostras em 2014. As amostras foram submetidas às análises físico-químicas de crioscopia e pesquisa de enzimas fosfatase alcalina e peroxidase. Quanto às análises microbiológicas, foram realizadas contagens de coliformes a 30°C, coliformes 45°C e contagem padrão em placas. No laboratório, as análises físico-químicas foram realizadas de acordo com a Instrução Normativa 68 e microbiológicas conforme a Instrução Normativa 62, ambas do Ministério da Agricultura Pecuária e Abastecimento. Os resultados demonstraram que com o passar dos anos a qualidade microbiológica do leite diminuiu, havendo um aumento de amostras fora do padrão. Quanto às enzimas fosfatase alcalina e peroxidase, a temperatura de pasteurização foi respeitada ao longo do tempo e o superaquecimento do leite foi mais frequente em 2011. As fraudes por adição de água diminuíram ou então ficaram mais sofisticadas, dificultando sua detecção.
Fatores associados à osteoporose em mulheres na pós-menopausa
Authors: Fernandes Talma Reis Leal , Oliveira Jevieli Belló , Lorencete Taísa Valques , Amadei Janete Lane
Published: December 2015

Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência de osteoporose em mulheres na pós-menopausa que realizaram seus exames de Densitometria Mineral Óssea em clínica privada da cidade de Maringá (PR) nos anos de 2012 e 2013 e sua associação com fatores de risco. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo exploratório-descritivo transversal envolvendo 177 mulheres na pós-menopausa. Foram incluídas no estudo as pacientes que apresentaram osteoporose primária, com ou sem histerectomia e excluídas as voluntárias que apresentaram outras condições ou doenças associadas à alteração da massa óssea. As principais variáveis analisadas foram: raça; Índice de Massa Corporal; idades da menarca e da menopausa e tempo de menopausa. Resultados: A média de idade da amostra foi 59 anos com desvio padrão de ±7,97 anos. Em relação à classificação das pacientes de acordo com os resultados do exame de massa óssea, 23% pertenciam ao grupo normal, 65% apresentaram osteopenia e 12%, osteoporose. A análise estatística mostrou associação da idade avançada e do tempo de menopausa com a doença, mas não houve significância estatística em relação à análise para associação dos demais fatores de risco. Conclusões: O estudo realizado permite concluir que houve baixa prevalência de densitometria normal e alta prevalência de baixa massa óssea na população amostral. A idade e período de tempo de menopausa podem ser considerados como fatores de risco para osteoporose na amostra.
Permeabilidade de Solo Laterítico por Diferentes Métodos
Authors: Rodriguez Tatiana Tavares , Weiss Luis Alexandre , Teixeira Raquel Souza , Branco Carlos José Marques da Costa
Published: December 2015

Permeabilidade é uma propriedade de extrema importância para dimensionamento de diferentes tipos de obras de engenharia e é quantificada através do coeficiente de permeabilidade. Apesar do grande uso, ainda existem questionamentos sobre a melhor forma de determinação do coeficiente de permeabilidade. As principais questões são: (1) o tipo de método a ser utilizado e (2) a representatividade de amostras em solos tropicais. Neste contexto, objetivou-se neste trabalho a avaliação da permeabilidade de um solo laterítico, através da comparação de valores de coeficiente de permeabilidade determinados por ensaios in situ e em laboratório. Para tanto, escolheu-se o solo laterítico do Campo Experimental de Engenharia Geotécnica (CEEG) da Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL) e quatro equipamentos: permeâmetro de Carga Constante, permeâmetro de Carga Variável, permeâmetro de Guelph e Infiltrômetro. Os resultados mostram que, com exceção do permeâmetro de Carga Constante, todos os métodos apresentaram valor médio de coeficiente de permeabilidade da ordem de 10-3 cm/s para coeficientes de variação de 37% a 92%. A heterogeneidade da estrutura do solo laterítico (em macro e microporos) é o provável condicionante da variabilidade encontrada.
Alocação de Potência Baseada na Margem de Certeza Equivalente Aplicável a Sistemas sem Fio Limitados por Interferência
Authors: Gross Tadeu Junior , Abrão Taufik , Jeszensky Paul Jean Etiennn
Published: December 2015

Neste artigo analisa-se o método de alocação de potência para redes de comunicação sem fio, limitadas em interferência de múltiplo acesso e com desvanecimento Rayleigh. O método leva em consideração a variação estatística da potência do sinal desejado e dos sinais interferentes e aloca ótima e dinamicamente os recursos de potência disponíveis no sistema. Esta alocação é feita levando-se em consideração as restrições impostas pela probabilidade de ocorrer falha na comunicação (interrupção) para cada par transmissor/receptor. Baseados na teoria de autovalor de Perron-Frobenius e na teoria de programação geométrica (GP), foram encontrados alguns resultados para o problema de otimização em questão. Um GP é um tipo especial de problema de otimização que pode ser transformado em um problema de otimização não linear convexo pela mudança de variáveis e assim ser resolvido globalmente. Também foi apresentado um método iterativo de rápida convergência para encontrar a alocação de potência ótima visando minimizar a probabilidade de falha na comunicação.
Perfil do biodiesel B100 comercializado na região de Londrina: aplicação de redes neurais do tipo mapa auto-organizável
Authors: Filho Vilson Machado de Campos , Spacino Kelly Roberta , Romagnoli Érica Signori , Silva Lívia Ramazzoti Chanan , Borsato Dionisio
Published: December 2015

As 97 amostras foram agrupadas de acordo com o ano de análise. Para cada ano foram atribuídas letras de A à D, compreendidas entre 2010 e 2013; A (33), B (25), C (24) e D (15). Dos parâmetros de conformidade previamente analisados, encontram-se os preconizados pela Agência Nacional de Petróleo, Gás Natural e Biocombustíveis (ANP), por meio da resolução ANP 07/2008. Dentre os parâmetros foram analisados a massa específica, ponto de fulgor, índice de peróxido e índice de acidez. Os valores observados foram apresentados a Rede Neural Artificial (RNA) do tipo Mapa Auto Organizável (MAO) a fim de obter uma classificação de acordo com as propriedades físico – químicas de cada amostra e seu ano de produção. A RNA foi treinada em dias diferentes e as amostras divididas aleatoriamente em dois grupos, treinamento e teste. Foi constatado que para esta situação, a rede MAO diferenciou as amostras em relação ao ano e aos parâmetros de conformidade, permitindo a constatação de que dentre os parâmetros de conformidade analisados, os de maior significância, portanto, bons para a distinção e classificação dessas amostras, foram a massa específica e o ponto de fulgor.
Sistema Supervisório e Controle Multivariável aplicando Controlador Fuzzy Ponderado-PID em um Processo de Fermentação Alcoólica
Authors: Mendonça Márcio , Correa Elton Carlos , Chrun Ivan Rossato , Buss Orion
Published: December 2015

Neste trabalho, é analisado, o controle de um sistema multivariável, um processo de fermentação alcoólica com fase não mínima. O controle é feito com controladores clássicos, Proporcional, Integrativo e Derivativo (PID) associado a um sistema supervisório baseado em Sistemas Fuzzy. O sistema Fuzzy, a priori, será um passador de set-points aos controladores PID, porém também agrega funções de proteção, como por exemplo, caso a biomassa esteja com valor zero ou muito próximo; O controlador Fuzzy altera a campanha para evitar ou amenizar o problema de paralisar a reação química na cuba. Duas arquiteturas de controle baseadas em sistemas de controle Fuzzy serão apresentadas, e comparadas em desempenho com controle clássico em campanhas diferentes. Um breve resumo sobre teoria Fuzzy e alguns trabalhos correlatos também serão apresentados. E, finalmente resultados de simulações, conclusões e futuros trabalhos encerram o artigo.
Examples of Non-Constructive Proofs in Quantum Theory
Authors: Bolotin Arkady
Published: December 2015

Unlike mathematics, in which the notion of truth might be abstract, in physics, the emphasis must be placed on algorithmic procedures for obtaining numerical results subject to the experimental verifiability. For, a physical science is exactly that: algorithmic procedures (built on a certain mathematical formalism) for obtaining verifiable conclusions from a set of basic hypotheses. By admitting non-constructivist statements, a physical theory loses its concrete applicability and thus verifiability of its predictions. Accordingly, the requirement of constructivism must be indispensable to any physical theory. Nevertheless, in at least some physical theories, and especially in quantum mechanics, one can find examples of non-constructive statements. The present paper demonstrates a couple of such examples dealing with macroscopic quantum states (i.e., with the applicability of the standard quantum formalism to macroscopic systems). As it is shown, in these examples the proofs of the existence of macroscopic quantum states are based on logical principles allowing one to decide the truth of predicates over an infinite number of things.
English Teachers' Use of Learners' L1 (Arabic) in College Classrooms in Kuwait
Authors: Alrabah Sulaiman , Wu Shu-hua , Alotaibi Abdullah M. , Aldaihani Hussein A.
Published: December 2015

This study investigated English teachers' use of learners' L1 (Arabic) in college classrooms in Kuwait. The purpose of the study was three-fold: (1) to describe the functions for which L1 was employed by the teachers, (2) to explore the affective, sociolinguistic, and psycholinguistic factors that may have led teachers to use L1 in L2 teaching, and (3) to measure the teachers’ attitudes toward using L1 in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL). 60 EFL teachers at the Language Center in a college in Kuwait agreed to participate in the study. Data collection methods included recorded interviews and a grounded survey that was derived from the data of the interviews. Data analysis methods utilized Ethnograph 6.0, a software program, in order to search for common patterns of L1 use in the teachers’ interviews. Analysis of the survey utilized the Microsoft Excel Software Program to generate the means, percentages, and standard deviations for each of the survey items. The survey results indicated that the teachers used L1 in L2 classrooms as a teaching tool and for classroom management. The participating teachers also indicated that affective, sociolinguistic, and psycholinguistic factors have contributed to their L1 use in L2 teaching. However, the results also showed that the participating teachers exhibited mostly negative attitudes toward L1 use in L2 teaching. This contradiction between classroom practice and attitudes entailed implications for language teacher education programs to better equip EFL bound graduates with appropriate teaching strategies and classroom techniques to use L1 in appropriate ways in the EFL classroom.
Program Evaluation of the English Language Proficiency Program for Foreign Students A Case Study: University of the East, Manila Campus
Authors: Salimi Esmaeel Ali , Farsi Mitra
Published: December 2015

This study on evaluating an English program of studies for foreign students seeking admission to the UE Graduate School attempts to examine the prevailing conditions of foreign students in the UE Graduate School with respect to their competence and competitiveness in English proficiency. It looks into the existing English programs of studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and how it addresses the need for an improved academic performance of the foreign students. This study was conducted in the University of the East, Manila campus, particularly in the Graduate School in three groups. All the three groups of respondents have passed the ELPPFS before their admission to UE Graduate School and was enrolled second semester of 2011-2012 in their respective Master and Doctorate courses. Our results show that the three groups of respondents assess that there are significant positive changes in their academic performance as a result of their training in the ELPPFS program. Moreover, there are significant positive changes in the academic performance of the three groups of respondents as a result of their ELPPFS training        . The prevailing conditions of foreign students enrolled in degree programs of UE Graduate School with respect to the level of their academic performance clearly show satisfactory evaluation marks.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Food Research, Vol. 4 No. 6
Authors: Dong Bella
Published: December 2015

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Food Research, Vol. 4 No. 6, December 2015.
A faster pixel-decimation method for block motion estimation in H.264/AVC
Authors: Lins Robson , Henriques Diogo , Lima Emerson , Melo Sílvio
Published: December 2015

This work explores the highly advantageous cost/benefit relation presented by low discrepancy sequences as a pixel-decimation technique to improve the block estimation performance  in the H.264/AVC. The proposed method is able to efficiently estimate motion vectors for block matching algorithms present in the H.264 by using latticed decimation sampled according to the Van Der Corput-Halton sequences. This paper further explores motion estimation within the H.264, validating it with real-case-video-encoding scenarios. The results have shown that this technique  incorporated to the H.264 is generally more efficient than other decimation techniques used in similar conditions.
SDRE based Leader-Follower Formation Control of Multiple Mobile Robots
Authors: Gonçalves Chinelato Caio Igor , Martins-Filho L.S.
Published: December 2015

Formation control of multiple mobile robots is relatively a new area of robotics and increase the control performance and advantages of multiple mobile robots systems. In this work we present a study concerning the modeling and formation control of a robotic system composed by two mobile robots, where one robot is the leader and the other is follower. The system is a nonlinear dynamical system and cannot be controlled by traditional linear control techniques. The control strategy proposed is the SDRE (State-Dependent Riccati Equation) method. Simulations results with the software Matlab show the efficiency of the control method.
 
Characterization of Spectrum and Eigenvectors of the Schrödinger Operator with Chaotic Potentials
Authors: Oliveira Weslley Florentino de , Pellegrino Giancarlo Queiroz
Published: December 2015

Chaotic sequences are sequences generated by chaotic maps. A particle moving in a one-dimensional space has its behavior modeled according to the time-independent Schrödinger equation. The tight-binding approximation enables the use of chaotic sequences as the simulation of quantum potentials in the discretized version of the Schrödinger equation. The present work consists of the generation and characterization of spectral curves and eigenvectors of the Schrödinger operator with potentials generated by chaotic sequences, as  well as their comparison with the curves generated by periodic, peneperiodic and random sequences. This comparison is made by calculating in each case the inverse participation ratio as a function of the system size.
A Lempel-Ziv like approach for signal classification
Authors: Montalvão Jugurta , Canuto Jânio
Published: December 2015

In this paper, the seminal method proposed by Abraham Lempel and Jacob Ziv, aimed at the complexity analysis of sequences of symbols, was modified to compare similarities between two sequences. This modification allowed the creation of a new criterion which can replace likelihood in some pattern recognition applications. Moreover, to allow for analysis and comparison of multivariate continuously valued patterns, we also present a simple adaptation of the Lempel-Ziv's method to time-sampled signals. To illustrate the usefulness of these proposed tools, two sets of experimental results are presented, namely: one on speaker identity verification (biometrics) and another on healthcare signal detection. Both experiments yield promising performances. Moreover, as compared to a conventional pattern recognition method, the new approach provided better performances in terms of Equal Error Ratio in speaker verification experiments.
Log-Conformation Representation of Hiperbolic Conservation Laws with Source Term
Authors: Bielça Silva Luciene Aparecida , Meneguette Messias
Published: December 2015

The objective of this work is to study, through a simpler equation, the statement that the numerical instability associated to the high number of Weissenberg in equations with source term can be resolved by the use of the so called logarithmic representation conformation. We will focus on hyperbolic conservation laws, but more specifically on the advection equation with source term. The source term imposes a necessity of an elastic balance, as well as the CFL convective balance for stability. We will see that the representation of such equation by log-conformation removes the restriction of stability inherent to the elastic balance pointed out by [3] as the cause of high Weissenberg number problem (HWNP).
A Study on Subjectivities of Type 1 and 2 in Parameters of Differential Equations
Authors: Jafelice Rosana Motta , Bertone Ana Maria , Bassanezi Rodney Carlos
Published: December 2015

 This study presents the Verhulst's model for the analysis of population growth with the rate of reproductivity depending on the fertility rate and the country economic development. These linguistic variables are defined through Fuzzy Rule-Based Systems (FRBS). The analysis is made for FRBS types 1 and 2 where in the first case, the inference method used is Mamdani's and the defuzzification is the center of gravity. For type 2 FRBS is used the inference method by Karnik Mendel (KM) where the output is defuzzificated by the  Type Reducer method. A comparative study of the solutions of the Verhulst's model for both techniques is performed. I has been noticed that the region determined by the solutions corresponding to the minimum and maximum rate resulting from FRBS type 2 is contained in the region built similarly from type 1, showing a higher accuracy in the response.
Harmonic Analysis of Multipath Index Time Series in GPS Stations
Authors: Souza Eniuce Menezes de , Alves Daniele Barroca Marra , Schumacher Fernanda Lang
Published: December 2015

The identification of the cyclical and seasonal variations can be veryimportant in time series. In this paper, the aim is to identify the presence ofcyclical or seasonal variations in the indices of the multipath effect on continuousGPS (Global Positioning System) stations. Due to the model used to obtain theseindices, there should not have cyclical variations in these series, at least due to themultipath effect. In order to identify the presence of cyclical variations in theseseries, correlograms and Fourier periodograms were analyzed. The Fisher test forseasonality was applied to confirm the presence of statistical significant seasonality.In addition, harmonic models were adjusted to check in which months of the yearthe cyclical effects are occurring in the multipath indices. The possible causes ofthese effects are pointed out, which will direct the upcoming investigations, as wellas the analysis and correlations of other series. The importance of this analysisis mainly due to the fact that errors in the collected signals of these stations willdirectly influence the accuracy of the results of the whole community that directlyor indirectly uses GPS data.
Perikelen rondom artikel 4:25 lid 4 BW
Authors: Breemhaar W.
Published: December 2015

Perikelen rondom artikel 4:25 lid 4 BW

In deze bijdrage worden de complicaties besproken waartoe een beschikking van de kantonrechter in de Rechtbank Zeeland-West-Brabant omtrent de toepassing van artikel 4:25 lid 4 BW aanleiding geeft.
Sobre la perífrasis 'soler' + estativo: una lectura genérica
Authors: Vatrican Axelle
Published: December 2015

Abstract. This paper presents a semantic analysis of a periphrastic construction which has not been studied at this time in Spanish: soler + stative (Un poeta suele ser un hombre normal, “A poet usually is a normal man”). Whereas the habitual construction has been largely studied (Juan suele cantar “Juan usually sings”), it seems that the first one does not carry the same interpretation. We will claim that we need to distinguish between two readings: the habitual reading on the one hand and the generic reading on the other hand. According to Menéndez-Benito (2013), Krifka et al. (1995) and Shubert & Pelletier (1989), among others, we will argue that soler contains a frequentative adverb of quantification Q. In the habitual reading, the Q adverb quantifies over an individual participating in an event at a time t (Juan está cantando, “Juan is singing”), whereas in the generic reading, Q adverb quantifies over a characterizing predicate (un poeta es un hombre normal, “A poet is a normal man”). In the habitual reading, the NP must refer to an individual and the VP to a dynamic event anchored in space and time. In the generic reading, the NP must refer to a class of objects and the VP to a stative predicate.
Optical absorption enhancement with low structural-parameter sensitivity in three-dimensional silicon nanocavity array for solar photovoltaics
Authors: Zhang Fuqiang , Sun Ruinan , Hu Ya , Peng Kui-Qing
Published: December 2015

Effective light trapping is essential for improving the efficiency and reducing the cost of thin-film silicon solar cells. Here, we numerically study the optical characteristics of periodic three-dimensional (3D) silicon nanocavity arrays. We found that the 3D silicon nanocavity array shows low sensitivity to geometric structural parameters for photon capture and achieves an outstanding efficiency superior to those of previously reported silicon nanostructures such as a nanowire and a nanohole with the same thickness. This excellence is attributed to a better antireflection capability and more resonant modes. The 3D silicon nanocavity array provides a new light-trapping strategy for thin-film photovoltaic devices.
Precursor of N atoms of hydrogenated amorphous carbon nitride films formed from the microwave discharge of C2H2/N2 gas mixture
Authors: Ito Haruhiko , Tsudome Hiroki , Mogi Nobuyoshi , Saitoh Hidetoshi
Published: December 2015

Hydrogenated amorphous carbon nitride films with the [N]/([N] + [C]) ratios of 0.29–0.44 were formed from the microwave discharge of the gas mixture of C2H2 with an excess amount of N2. The ratio of the fluxes, s = Φa-CN/ΦCN(X), was evaluated in this study, where Φa-CN was the flux of N atoms incorporated into the films and ΦCN(X) was that of CN radicals in the gas phase. ΦCN(X) was evaluated from the density of CN radicals using the A2Πi–X2Σ+ laser-induced fluorescence spectra and from the flow speed using the time-resolved emission, and Φa-CN from the film mass calibrated against atomic compositions. The s value was in the range of 0.22–0.78, being 1.2–1.7 times the sticking probability of CN radicals corrected in this study, 0.19–0.45. Then, the contribution of CN radicals was evaluated to be 60–80% of the N source of the films. The chemical structure and mechanical property of the films were analyzed in terms of Raman scattering, IR absorption, and nanoindentation measurements.
New Cu(AuTiNx) copper alloy film and its features
Authors: Lin Chon-Hsin
Published: December 2015

In this study, a new copper alloy [Cu(AuTiN
x
)] film is developed for industrial applications, by cosputtering Cu and titanium gold (AuTi) targets on a barrierless Si substrate within a vacuum chamber sparsely filled with N2 gas. Through extensive tests conducted in this study, the new alloy film, after annealing at 720 °C for 1 h, shows good thermal stability and high adhesion strength to the substrate, without appreciable interactions between the film and the substrate. The new Cu(AuTiN
x
) alloy film also has adequate wetting for solder, shows good solderability, and has a dissolution rate lower than that of pure Cu by at least 1 order of magnitude, in addition to having a comparable consumption rate to that of Ni. The alloy film seems to be suitable for many industrial applications, e.g., barrierless Si metallization, interconnect manufacture, and as new wetting and diffusion layers for flip-chip solder joints in conventional metallurgy.
‘Degraded’ RNA profiles in Arthropoda and beyond
Authors: McCarthy Sean D. , Dugon Michel M. , Power Anne Marie
Published: December 2015

The requirement for high quality/non-degraded RNA is essential for an array of molecular biology analyses. When analysing the integrity of rRNA from the barnacleLepas anatifera(Phylum Arthropoda, Subphylum Crustacea), atypical or sub-optimal rRNA profiles that were apparently degraded were observed on a bioanalyser electropherogram. It was subsequently discovered that the rRNA was not degraded, but arose due to a ‘gap deletion’ (also referred to as ‘hidden break’) in the 28S rRNA. An apparent excision at this site caused the 28S rRNA to fragment under heat-denaturing conditions and migrate along with the 18S rRNA, superficially presenting a ‘degraded’ appearance. Examination of the literature showed similar observations in a small number of older studies in insects; however, reading across multiple disciplines suggests that this is a wider issue that occurs across the Animalia and beyond. The current study shows that the 28S rRNA anomaly goes far beyond insects within the Arthropoda and is widespread within this phylum. We confirm that the anomaly is associated with thermal conversion because gap-deletion patterns were observed in heat-denatured samples but not in gels with formaldehyde-denaturing.
Watching eyes on potential litter can reduce littering: evidence from two field experiments
Authors: Bateson Melissa , Robinson Rebecca , Abayomi-Cole Tim , Greenlees Josh , O’Connor Abby , Nettle Daniel
Published: December 2015

Littering constitutes a major societal problem, and any simple intervention that reduces its prevalence would be widely beneficial. In previous research, we have found that displaying images of watching eyes in the environment makes people less likely to litter. Here, we investigate whether the watching eyes images can be transferred onto the potential items of litter themselves. In two field experiments on a university campus, we created an opportunity to litter by attaching leaflets that either did or did not feature an image of watching eyes to parked bicycles. In both experiments, the watching eyes leaflets were substantially less likely to be littered than control leaflets (odds ratios 0.22–0.32). We also found that people were less likely to litter when there other people in the immediate vicinity than when there were not (odds ratios 0.04–0.25) and, in one experiment but not the other, that eye leaflets only reduced littering when there no other people in the immediate vicinity. We suggest that designing cues of observation into packaging could be a simple but fruitful strategy for reducing littering.
A proposal for selecting target buildings for the reorganization of public housing using a depth‐first search algorithm with recursive functions
Authors: Inada Kouya , Miura Ken
Published: September 2024

We improved a method to support more general and rational reorganization planning, demonstrating its practicality through application to Kobe municipal housing complexes. We initially developed a cost‐effective algorithm using depth‐first search, enabling the consideration of a larger pool of dwelling units and houses for reorganization. We then ensured the algorithm accounts for practical constraints by grouping sale sites together and considering proximity to roads, thereby deriving more viable combinations. Furthermore, we clarified the break‐even point for the reorganization projects, allowing for an assessment of project feasibility from a profitability standpoint.
Serum chemistry, thyroxine concentration, and blood cell morphology of wild, young Blackchin Guitarfish Glaucostegus cemiculus sampled on the eastern Mediterranean coastline
Authors: Schwartz Nevo , Morick Danny , Azrieli Barak , Scheinin Aviad , Tchernov Dan , Aroch Itamar
Published: September 2024

Objective

The Blackchin Guitarfish Glaucostegus cemiculus is endemic to the Mediterranean Sea and is critically endangered, but relevant routine laboratory data are unavailable. Our objectives were to determine the packed cell volume (PCV), comprehensive serum chemistry analytes, and serum total thyroxine (sTT4) concentration; compare serum albumin and serum globulin concentrations as measured by two different methods; and describe the blood cell morphology of healthy, free-ranging Blackchin Guitarfish.

Methods

Wild Blackchin Guitarfish were captured using a seine net. Blood samples for serum chemistry and hematological analyses were obtained and measured using routine laboratory methods. The fish were tagged and released.

Result

This study included 43 Blackchin Guitarfish (17 males and 26 females) that were younger than 6 months as estimated based on total length and body weight. The median PCV (n = 23) was 22% (minimum–maximum [min–max] = 15–25%). Median sTT4 (n = 10) measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay was 7.86 nmol/L (min–max = 7.52–9.57 nmol/L). The study included a comprehensive, 25-analyte serum chemistry analysis (e.g., serum iron and unbound and total iron-binding capacity) and a morphological description of all blood cells. Serum electrophoresis (SEP; n = 13) yielded a consistent serum albumin-migrating protein fraction and four globulin fractions. Serum electrophoretograms corroborating these results are presented.

Conclusion

In Blackchin Guitarfish, the serum albumin-migrating fraction measured by SEP combined with serum total protein concentration yields a much higher albumin concentration compared to that measured by bromocresol green spectrophotometry. The true identity of this albumin-migrating fraction remains to be identified. The analytes' calculated 2.5–97.5% interpercentile intervals should be considered as reference intervals applying to Blackchin Guitarfish of similar age but should be applied cautiously to adult fish.

Abstract

Impact statement This study incudes novel comprehensive basic laboratory data describing young, healthy Blackchin Guitarfish, a critically endangered species in the Mediterranean Sea. The findings significantly increase the scientific knowledge of this species, potentially contributing to its conservation.
Laser‐Induced Formation of Fine Porous Graphitic Carbon for Eco‐Friendly Supercapacitors
Authors: Kato Mari , Hayashi Shuichiro , Funayama Rei , Kondo Yosuke , Hattori Yuma , Terakawa Mitsuhiro
Published: September 2024

An electric double‐layer capacitor (EDLC), which is one of the pivotal energy storage devices, provides rapid charge–discharge capabilities and an extended cycle life. Areal capacitance, a key indicator of EDLC performance, increases with the specific surface area of its electrodes. This study demonstrates a method for significantly increasing the specific surface area in the laser‐induced graphitization of biodegradable polymers by incorporating NaHCO3 into the composite sheet, generating not only microscale pores but also a large number of nanoscale fine pores. Furthermore, it shows that using these structures as EDLC electrodes leads to a substantial increase in areal capacitance. An increase in the number of fine pores formed in the structure and a corresponding rise in the areal capacitance of the fabricated EDLC are observed with the increase in the NaHCO3 weight ratio. Notably, the composite sheets are composed of natural‐derived, biodegradable materials, while NaHCO3 is known for its low corrosivity and biotoxicity. The proposed method thus offers a pathway for fabricating energy storage devices with minimal environmental impact, ensuring their eco‐friendly disposal post‐use.
γ‐Valerolactone Enabling Spontaneously Inhibited Iodide Oxidation for High‐Quality Perovskite Single Crystal Fabrication
Authors: Li Zining , Sun Shipei , Jiang Haotian , Ding Zhiyuan , Zhang Chao , Cui Zhili , Wang Yuling , Chen Yu , Zhong Haizheng
Published: September 2024

The iodide precursor oxidation has persistently plagued solution grown iodine‐based perovskite single crystals (IPSCs) that inevitably introduce undesirable triiodide ion (I3−) defects and severely hindering crystal quality, despite IPSCs having garnered remarkable progress in multifarious photoelectronic applications. In this work, the spontaneously inhibited iodide oxidation is discovered in an eco‐friendly solvent, γ‐Valerolactone (GVL), and demonstrates a universal solution approach for fabricating high‐quality IPSCs. Compared to the routine γ‐Butyrolactone (GBL) system, GVL provides a lowered growth temperature and a significantly broadened inverse temperature operation window, thereby improving the theoretical utilization rate of perovskite precursors up to 88.6%. More importantly, due to its higher open‐ring hydrolysis energy, GVL can spontaneously inhibit the iodide precursors oxidation without any additional reductant and therefore effectively prevent the forming I3− defects. Typically, the as‐fabricated MAPbI3 single crystal possesses an extremely low trap density of 3.57 × 108 cm−3 and a high carrier mobility‐lifetime (µτ) product of 2.74 × 10−3 cm2 V−1, which enables its photodetection capabilities to be on a par with the state‐of‐art MAPbI3 single crystal photodetectors. This work paves an efficacious and green pathway for high‐quality IPSC fabrication toward advanced optoelectronic utilizations.
Biomimetic Surface Nanoengineering of Biodegradable Zn‐Based Orthopedic Implants for Enhanced Biocompatibility and Immunomodulation
Authors: Xiang Enmao , Vaquette Cedryck , Liu Shulei , Raveendran Nimal , Schulz Benjamin L. , Nowwarote Nunthawan , Dargusch Matthew , Abdal‐hay Abdalla , Fournier Benjamin P. J. , Ivanovski Sašo
Published: September 2024

Zinc (Zn) is gaining increased recognition as a biodegradable metal in biomedical applications but clinical translation is limited due to its poor biocompatibility. This study addresses these issues through an innovative biomimetic strategy, introducing an efficient surface nanoengineering approach that creates nano‐geometric features and chemical compositions by modulating the exposure time to a biological medium – Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium(DMEM). These nanoengineered Zn implants exhibited tunable degradation rates. The nanostructures enhanced human osteoblast attachment, proliferation, and differentiation following direct contact, and improved macrophage function by promoting pseudopod formation and transitioning from a pro‐inflammatory M1 to a pro‐reparative M2 phenotype. In vivo studies show that the surface‐engineered implants effectively promoted tissue integration via M2 macrophage polarization, resulting in a favorable immunomodulatory environment, and increased collagen deposition. Proteomic analyses show that the tissues in the vicinity of the surface‐engineered Zn implants are enriched with proteins related to key wound healing biological mechanisms such as cell adhesion, cytoskeletal structural arrangement, and immune response. This study highlights the improved biocompatibility and anti‐inflammatory effects of surface‐engineered Zn, with important implications for the clinical translation of biodegradable Zn‐based orthopedic implants.
Modulating Carrier Oxygen Vacancies to Enhance Strong Oxide‐Support Interaction in IrO2/Nb2O5‐x Catalysts for Promoting Acidic Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wu Yun , Guo Chuanming , Yao Rui , Zhang Kaiyang , Li Jinping , Liu Guang
Published: September 2024

Given the pronounced dissolution of electrocatalysts in acidic environments, the quest for effective oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts suitable for proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers persists as a formidable challenge. In this investigation, catalysts are synthesized by creating oxygen vacancies within various metal oxides (Nb2O5‐x, Ta2O5‐x, ZrO2‐x, TiO2‐x) through plasma‐assisted method, thereby facilitating the immobilization of IrO2 onto these defect‐rich surfaces. The findings unveil that IrO2/Nb2O5‐x manifests reduced overpotentials during acidic OER, achieving an overpotential down to 225 mV@10 mA cm−2, coupled with outstanding durability at multicurrent densities exceeding 200 h, attributed to strong oxide‐support interaction (SOSI) between the IrO2 catalyst and Nb2O5‐x substrate. Density functional theory (DFT) computations uncover intensified binding affinities between IrO2 and Nb2O5‐x, thus modulating the central energy levels of Ir's d orbitals toward favorable OER conditions, consequently bolstering the electrocatalytic activity and stability of the composite catalyst. Furthermore, employing IrO2/Nb2O5‐x as a PEM electrolyzer anode enables consistent operation at 1000 mA cm−2 for 200 h, with an Ir content of only 0.2852 mg cm−2 and an energy consumption of 4.34 kWh Nm−3 H2. This achievement substantially lowers the cost of hydrogen production to US$ 0.96 per kilogram, underscoring its potential for practical applications.
Hierarchical Ceramic Nanofibrous Aerogels for Universal Passive Radiative Cooling
Authors: Lan Pin‐Hui , Hwang Ching‐Wen , Chen Tai‐Chi , Wang Tzu‐Wei , Chen Hsuen‐Li , Wan Dehui
Published: September 2024

Solar‐induced thermal challenges in buildings, cold chain logistics, and spacecrafts may be overcome by integrating passive radiative cooling (PRC) with aerogels having thermal insulation (TI). Herein, a universal radiative cooling silica aerogel (UCSA) is prepared through the simple regeneration and freeze‐drying of commercial quartz fiber membranes. The optically engineered UCSA with a hybrid structure (silica nanofibers/microbeads) achieves remarkable solar reflectance (RS.E. = 98.1%) and atmospheric transparency window emittance (εATW = 92.1%) under Earth conditions, with a theoretical daytime cooling power of 103.3 W m−2. In the harsh space environment, it exhibits ultrahigh average solar reflectance (RS.E. = 99.1%) and broadband mid‐infrared emittance (εMIR = 90%), achieving a cooling power of 354.1 W m−2. Compared to single‐functional approaches, UCSA synergistically integrates the PRC and TI performance for excellent thermal management capability. Moreover, this ceramic aerogel can resist temperatures up to 830 °C, safeguarding building occupants and spacecraft electronics. Furthermore, UCSA passes environmental aging and thermal vacuum outgassing tests for long‐term viability both on Earth and in space. Finally, a USCA‐covered box achieves an average sub‐ambient cooling of 18.6 °C when exposed to sunlight. In summary, UCSA opens a path for energy‐efficient and sustainable cooling strategy with universal applications.
Modulating Contact Electrification With Metal‐Organic Frameworks in Flexible Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Kinetic Energy Harvesting and Self‐Powered Humidity Sensing Applications
Authors: Kallupadi Vaishna Priya , Varghese Harris , Hareesh Unnikrishnan Nair Saraswathy , Chandran Achu
Published: September 2024

Herein, we present a novel method for fabricating a triboelectric nanogenerator using Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) on both sides as triboelectric pairs, incorporating metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) such as ZIF‐8, ZIF‐67, MIL‐100, and HKUST‐1 during the electrospinning process. The triboelectric properties of the MOF‐incorporated fibers are thus tailored and positioned within the triboelectric series for the first time. The resulting triboelectric polarity of the composite fiber is linked to the optical bandgap energy of the PAN and the MOF/PAN composite, facilitating electron transfer between materials of different work functions and leading to enhanced output in the developed triboelectric devices. Fascinatingly, the appropriate choice of MOF filler also displayed the potential for reversing the triboelectric polarity of PAN nanofiber. Consequently, incorporating ZIF‐8 and MIL‐100 into PAN nanofibers led notably to contrasting trends in triboelectric polarity, with the pair generating an open‐circuit output voltage of 100 V, short‐circuit current of 1.35 μA, and a power density of 18.4 mW/m2 respectively. The fabricated device demonstrated effectiveness for mechanical energy harvesting applications and also as a self‐powered humidity sensor, displaying rapid response to changes in ambient humidity levels with a maximum sensitivity of 2.14 V/%RH, for relative humidity range between 50 and 90% during the humidifying cycle.
High‐Speed Flexible Near‐Infrared Organic Photodetectors for Self‐Powered Optical Integrated Sensing and Communications
Authors: Xia Yingjun , Zhang Jing , Guo Tingting , Wang Hui , Geng Chen , Zhu Yu , Han Ruiman , Yang Yanqing , Song Guangkun , Wan Xiangjian , Li Guanghui , Chen Yongsheng
Published: September 2024

Integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) based on radio frequency (RF), merging the sensing and communication functionalities into a single platform, can effectively address the increasing demand for spectrums due to the proliferation of wireless devices. However, the ISAC commonly suffers from spectrum scarcity, high power consumption, and limited sensing capabilities. Here flexible self‐powered optical ISAC (O‐ISAC) is proposed and fabricated by preparing a high‐speed near‐infrared organic photodetector (NIR OPD) that exhibits a broad photodetection ranging from 300 to 1100 nm, specific detectivity over 1013 Jones, and −3 dB cutoff frequency over 1 MHz (λ = 1050 nm) in self‐powered mode, ranking as the fastest among self‐powered NIR OPDs in the region above 1000 nm. The device is fabricated by incorporating a narrow‐bandgap non‐fullerene acceptor BTPSV‐4Cl into the PCE‐10:BTPSV‐4F system to finely tune the film morphology and reduce trap states and energetic disorder. The semitransparent and regular NIR OPDs are integrated on one substrate to fabricate flexible O‐ISAC, realizing simultaneous accurate vital signs monitoring and high‐speed data transmission under ambient, sunlight, and NIR lighting conditions. It is envisioned that the proposed O‐ISAC will inspire a new generation of wireless technology to address RF limitations for emerging applications, such as intelligent healthcare, autonomous vehicles, and security.