bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histopathological findings of infections caused by canine distemper virus, Trypanosoma cruzi, and other parasites in two free-ranging White-nosed Coatis Nasua narica (Carnivora: Procyonidae) from Costa Rica
Authors: Rojas-Jiménez Jorge , Morales-Acuña Juan A. , Argüello-Sáenz Milena , Acevedo-González Silvia E. , Yabsley Michael J. , Urbina-Villalobos Andrea
Published: January 2021

Canine distemper virus (CDV) causes systemic infections and immunosuppression in carnivores, which subsequently makes animals highly susceptible to opportunistic infections.  Although Trypanosoma cruzi infects procyonids, chagasic myocarditis in Coatis has not been reported in Central America.  The aim of this study was to report the histopathological findings caused by canine distemper virus, T. cruzi, and other parasites in two free-ranging White-nosed Coatis Nasua narica found dead in a national park on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.  Heart, lung, tongue, liver, brain and spleen samples were subjected to macroscopic and microscopic examination.  A mononuclear meningoencephalitis associated with intra-nuclear eosinophilic inclusion bodies consistent with canine distemper virus was observed in nervous tissue.  Myocarditis and associated nests of amastigotes of T. cruzi were observed during microscopic examination in cardiac tissue, and in muscle from the tongue of both animals. Molecular analysis confirmed T. cruzi in formalin-fixed paraffin embedded cardiac tissues.  The myocardial damage caused by the opportunistic infection due to T. cruzi in these individuals could be the result of a severe compromised immunological status associated to the CDV infection, and subsequent opportunistic polyparasitism described herein.  To the authors knowledge this is the first report of chagasic myocarditis in free-ranging coatis from Central America.
Record of the world’s biggest pangolin? New observations of bodyweight and total body length of the Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata Gray, 1827 (Mammalia: Pholidota: Manidae) from Mannar District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Perera Priyan , Algewatta Hirusha Randimal , Vidanage Buddhika
Published: January 2021

The Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata is one of the eight extant pangolin species in the world, occurring in the Indian subcontinent and is the solitary pangolin species recorded in Sri Lanka.  Little is known about the intra-specific morphometric variations of the Indian Pangolin, largely due to the limited observations. In this note, we report the morphometrics of the largest Indian Pangolin recorded so far in its range, and consequently the largest pangolin ever to be recorded according to published information.  These records along with observations from other range countries provide novel insights into the maximum growth of male Indian Pangolins.
Freshwater fishes of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats of Karnataka, India
Authors: Sreenivasan Naren , Mahesh Neethi , Raghavan Rajeev
Published: January 2021

The ichthyofauna of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is comprised of 58 species belonging to 18 families and 44 genera of which close to 25% are endemic to the Western Ghats region, and eight are endemic to the Cauvery River system namely, Dawkinsia arulius, Dawkinsia rubrotinctus, Hypselobarbus dubius, H. micropogon, Kantaka brevidorsalis, Labeo kontius, Tor remadevii and Hemibagrus punctatus.  Eight species found in Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary are threatened, including two (Tor remadevii and Hemibagrus punctatus) listed as ‘Critically Endangered’, four species (Dawkinsia arulius, Hypselobarbus dubius, H. micropogon, and Silonia childreni) as ‘Endangered’ and two (Hyporhamphus xanthopterus and Wallago attu) as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List.
A new record of pyrenocarpous lichen to the Indian biota
Authors: Rajaprabu N. , Ponmurugan P. , Mishra Gaurav K.
Published: January 2021

Pyrenula subglabrata (Nyl.) Müll. Arg. is reported as a new find to Indian lichen biota from Arunachal Pradesh and Tamil Nadu states.  The species is found growing on smooth bark trees of both the regions.
Toward internationalization: A bibliometric analysis of the social
sciences in Mainland China from 1979 to 2018
Authors: Zhang Lin , Shang Yuanyuan , Huang Ying , Sivertsen Gunnar
Published: January 2021

The past 40 years have witnessed profound changes in the international competitiveness of Mainland China’s scientific research. Based on publication data from Chinese researchers in the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) from the Web of Science (WoS), this study aims to provide a bird’s-eye view of how social science research in Mainland China has internationalized over the past four decades. The findings show that the number of social science articles published by Chinese authors in international journals has experienced a noticeable increase, and the collaboration networks of researchers from Mainland China have broadened, with the number of articles with a Chinese first author showing a strong upward trend. In addition, findings show that Chinese scholars are published in a wider range of journals, and there has been a steady increase in their appearance in higher impact journals (influenced in part by certain journals). Finally, different social science disciplines show various degrees of internationalization. This study provides a broad view from which to examine the internationalization process in Mainland China’s social science landscape in the last four decades, while also noting some of the possible explanations for these changes, thereby deepening our understanding of social science research stemming from the region.
A comprehensive analysis of the journal evaluation system in
China
Authors: Huang Ying , Li Ruinan , Zhang Lin , Sivertsen Gunnar
Published: January 2021

Journal evaluation systems reflect how new insights are critically reviewed and published, and the prestige and impact of a discipline’s journals is a key metric in many research assessment, performance evaluation, and funding systems. With the expansion of China’s research and innovation systems and its rise as a major contributor to global innovation, journal evaluation has become an especially important issue. In this paper, we first describe the history and background of journal evaluation in China and then systematically introduce and compare the most currently influential journal lists and indexing services. These are the Chinese Science Citation Database (CSCD), the Journal Partition Table (JPT), the AMI Comprehensive Evaluation Report (AMI), the Chinese S&T Journal Citation Report (CJCR), “A Guide to the Core Journals of China” (GCJC), the Chinese Social Sciences Citation Index (CSSCI), and the World Academic Journal Clout Index (WAJCI). Some other influential lists produced by government agencies, professional associations, and universities are also briefly introduced. Through the lens of these systems, we provide comprehensive coverage of the tradition and landscape of the journal evaluation system in China and the methods and practices of journal evaluation in China with some comparisons to how other countries assess and rank journals.
Large-scale comparison of bibliographic data sources: Scopus, Web of
Science, Dimensions, Crossref, and Microsoft Academic
Authors: Visser Martijn , van Eck Nees Jan , Waltman Ludo
Published: January 2021

We present a large-scale comparison of five multidisciplinary bibliographic data sources: Scopus, Web of Science, Dimensions, Crossref, and Microsoft Academic. The comparison considers scientific documents from the period 2008–2017 covered by these data sources. Scopus is compared in a pairwise manner with each of the other data sources. We first analyze differences between the data sources in the coverage of documents, focusing for instance on differences over time, differences per document type, and differences per discipline. We then study differences in the completeness and accuracy of citation links. Based on our analysis, we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the different data sources. We emphasize the importance of combining a comprehensive coverage of the scientific literature with a flexible set of filters for making selections of the literature.
La production des actes de waqf ibadites et autres en Tunisie à l’ époque moderne
Authors: Merimi Mohamed , Meghnine Khaled , Mestaoui Soufien
Published: January 2021

L’ article vise à passer en revue et à comprendre la culture ibadite de la population de Djerba dans le domaine de la production des actes de waqf à l’ époque moderne. À l’ origine, les résidents de Djerba utilisaient des contrats de waqf oraux et coutumiers conclus au nom de la « congrégation des fidèles de la mosquée » et sous le titre du waqf général. Leurs contrats de waqf ont évolué dans de nombreuses et différentes directions. La majorité de ces contrats sont devenus écrits en raison de l’ influence du voisinage malékite dont la présence sur l’ île remonte à l’ époque hafside. Certains de ces contrats sont cependant restés coutumiers, et ils sont devenus des waqfs publics associés aux zaouïas, comme ce fut le cas avec les malékites. D’ autres ont été transférés de la coutume et de l’ oral à des documents écrits à caractère officiel agréé par le pouvoir judiciaire malékite. Les ibadites ont eu recours à produire des actes de waqf conformes aux valeurs de la science du témoin et à la jurisprudence malékite. La diaspora ibadite djerbienne, dont la relation sociale est régie par ses institutions du pouvoir local (niẓām al-ʿazzāba), a produit des actes qui respectent les valeurs de l’ école de jurisprudence malékite.
Medical Diplomacy and Iranian Foreign Policy
Authors: Dolatabadi Ali Bagheri , Kamrava Mehran
Published: January 2021

Despite numerous studies of Iran in recent decades, the country’s concerted efforts to expand its medical diplomacy have been largely overlooked by experts and observers alike. This is despite the fact that the Islamic Republic has sought to employ medical diplomacy as a viable tool for expanding its soft power for a number of years. Over the course of the last two decades, in fact, Iranian authorities and health professionals have considered their medical advances to greatly add value to the country’s overall diplomatic profile. This article examines three basic questions: first, how has Iran used medical diplomacy to increase its regional influence in the Middle East? second, what are the factors that have contributed to the country’s success in this area? And, third, what are likely to be the regional consequences of Iran’s enhanced medical diplomacy in the future? The answers to these questions will present an overall picture of the current and future depth and voracity of Iran’s soft power.
Study on chemical pattern recognition of Phoebe bournei wood based on gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Tianshi , Liao Xiaoling , Ning Liping , Xu Xueju , Li Mei , Li Yingjian
Published: January 2021

The object of this study is the wood of Phoebe bournei (Hemsl.) Yang. Firstly, the macroscopic and microscopic structural characteristics of P. bournei wood were studied, and then the wood was compared with other species of the same genus. Through GC-MS technology, the volatile substance composition of P. bournei wood was studied, and the common volatile substance compositions were analyzed by using correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal partial least square discriminant model analysis (OPLS-DA) models. The purpose of this study was to determine the significantly different components of P. bournei wood in comparison to three similar species in the same genus and explore whether these can be used as a chemical pattern recognition method for this wood. The results showed that 11 common components were found in all the P. bournei wood samples. Through the correlation analysis between the samples of P. bournei from different sources, they had a strong interrelation and high correlation coefficient. P. bournei wood could be initially distinguished from the wood of the other three similar species of the same genus by PCA. Through OPLS-DA modeling and calculation the classification effect of the model was more obvious. The variable information used to analyze the experimental model was more complete, and the model had a strong prediction ability. With the combination of the load diagram (S-plot) and variable contribution index (VIP), variable components were preliminarily screened, and then inter-group t-test and variable content analysis were conducted for the samples. The results show that the OPLS-DA model analysis of valerianol and agarspirol has obvious differences, which can be used to distinguish wood of P. bournei from three other tree species of the same genus.
Gypsum Composite Boards Incorporating Phase Change Materials: A Review
Authors: Pop Lucian-Cristian , Baibarac Mihaela , Anghel Ion , Baia Lucian
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the available gypsum based composite including various phase change materials employed to increase the thermal energy storage capacity of building materials. A wide range of materials such as n-alkane, saturated fatty acid, fatty
acid esters etc are used as phase change materials. Adding carbonaceous material (carbon nanofibers, activated nanocarbon, graphite nanosheets etc.) to augment some properties is also a common practice. In addition, there are presented the methods of obtaining the nano/macro-composites together
with some thermal characteristics of the newly prepared materials.
Methods for the Synthesis of Endohedral Fullerenes
Authors: Akhanova Nazym Yerlanovna , Shchur Dmitry Viktorovich , Pomytkin Anatoly Petrovich , Zolotarenko Alexander Dmitrievich , Zolotarenko Anatoly Dmitrievich , Gavrylyuk Natalia Afanasievna , Ualkhanova Marzhan , Bo Wang , Ang Ding
Published: January 2021

In the present manuscript the authors show the progress recorded regarding the main synthesis methods of metal endo-fullerenes. Shown, that nowadays, the most productive and common method of producing endohedral fullerenes is the electric arc process due to the fact that (a) it is simple
enough to introduce atoms into the plasma from solids and gases; (b) its performance is the highest among other methods; (c) gives a wide range of produced types of metallofullerenes in an inert atmosphere-mono-, di-, tri-metalfullerenes, metal carbide clusters, in a reactive atmosphere (N2,
NH3)-metal nitride and cyanide clusters, heterofullerenes; (d) provides the greatest energy potential, which is likely to allow the introduction into the cells of fullerene molecules metal atoms with higher ionization energies than titanium (≥7 eV). The yield of metal endofullerenes
is substantially higher than the “empty” fullerenes. In this case, the stabilization of both metal atoms and fullerene cells occurs. The quantitative and qualitative output of MEF is significantly affected by: (a) conditions of the process in the reactor: the gas pressure, its
flow rate, temperature, amperage; the distance between the electrodes, and others, that is, those factors that determine the plasma temperature and the residence time of the reaction particles in it; (b) the composition of solid additives (salts, oxides, metal alloys) in the graphite anode
and their quantitative (mol) ratio with carbon; (c) replacement of the inert atmosphere of the synthesis with the active one (helium-with nitrogen, ammonia, water vapor, CO and other gases).
Screen-Printed Carbon Electrodes Modified with Double-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Functionalized with Polypyrrole and Their Electrochemical Processes in the Presence of Folic Acid
Authors: Daescu M. , Baibarac M. , Enculescu M. , Serbschi C.
Published: January 2021

In this work, the electrochemical polymerization of pyrrole in the presence of H3PMo12O40 onto the screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) modified with double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWNTs) is reported. The influence of the pyrrole and H3PMo12O40
concentration as well as a scan rate used to recording of cyclic voltammograms that describe the electrochemical synthesis of polypyrrole (PPY) onto the DWNTs surface is assessed. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) we demonstrate that the electrosynthesis of PPY doped with H3PMo12O40
heteropolyanions (PPY-PMo12) results in the generation of a globular morphology. Considering the variations induced of DWNTs in the IR and Raman spectra of PPY doped with H3PMo12O40 heteropolyanions, a functionalization process of carbon nanotubes
with macromolecular compound is invoked. According to SEM investigations, DWNTs allow the realization of connections between the globular structures of the macromolecular compound. The changes induced of folic acid (FA) during the oxidation-reduction processes at the interface of the DWNTs
functionalized with PPY doped with H3PMo12O40 heteropolyanions (SPCE-DWNT/PPY-PMo12) with electrolyte solution are reported.
Photosynthetic Reaction-Center/Graphene Biohybrid for Optoelectronics
Authors: Szabo Tibor , Panajotović Radmila , Vujin Jasna , Tomašević-Ilić Tijana , Bagdanavičitūtė Ieva , Urbonaitė Greta , Cseko Richard , Hernadi Klara , Varo Gyorgy , Nagy Laszlo
Published: January 2021

Photosynthetic reaction center proteins (RC) purified from purple bacterial strains were deposited on graphene layer prepared by liquid phase exfoliation and light-induced resistance change was measured. By measuring the temperature dependence of the resistance change of the bare and
RC covered graphene and comparing with the one inactivated by protein unfolding, two effects were possible to separate. One of them is the resistance change due to temperature effect. The other one clearly indicates a possible electric/electronic interaction between the charge flow in the
graphene and the light-induced charge pair within the protein, which is, essentially, different in the open (dark, PBPheo) and closed (light, P+BPheo−) states. These results provide useful information for designing hybrid bio-photonic devices which are able to absorb
and convert light energy.
Molecular Docking of Azithromycin, Ritonavir, Lopinavir, Oseltamivir, Ivermectin and Heparin Interacting with Coronavirus Disease 2019 Main and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 3C-Like Proteases
Authors: Arouche Tiago da Silva , Martins Anderson Yuri , Ramalho Teodorico de Castro , Júnior Raul Nunes Carvalho , Costa Fabio Luiz Paranhos , Filho Tarciso Silva de Andrade , Neto Antonio Maia Jesus Chaves
Published: January 2021

In the current pandemic situation raised due to COVID-19, drug reuse is emerging as the first line of treatment. The viral agent that causes this highly contagious disease and the acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) share high nucleotide similarity. Therefore, it is structurally
expected that many existing viral targets are similar to the first SARS-CoV, probably being inhibited by the same compounds. Here, we selected two viral proteins based on their vital role in the viral life cycle: Structure of the main protease SARS-CoV-2 and the structural base of the SARS-CoV-2
protease 3CL, both supporting the entry of the virus into the human host. The approved drugs used were azithromycin, ritonavir, lopinavir, oseltamivir, ivermectin and heparin, which are emerging as promising agents in the fight against COVID-19. Our hypothesis behind molecular coupling studies
is to determine the binding affinities of these drugs and to identify the main amino acid residues that play a fundamental role in their mechanism of action. Additional studies on a wide range of FDA-approved drugs, including a few more protein targets, molecular dynamics studies, in vitro
and biological in vivo evaluation are needed to identify combination therapy targeted at various stages of the viral life cycle. In our experiment in silico, based mainly on the molecular coupling approach, we investigated six different types of pharmacologically active drugs,
aiming at their potential application alone or in combination with the reuse of drugs. The ligands showed stable conformations when analyzing the affinity energy in both proteases: ivermectin forming a stable complex with the two proteases with values −8.727 kcal/mol for Main Protease
and −9.784 kcal/mol for protease 3CL, Heparin with values of −7.647 kcal/mol for the Main protease and −7.737 kcal/mol for the 3CL protease. Both conform to the catalytic site of the proteases. Our studies can provide an insight into the possible interactions between ligands
and receptors, through better conformation. The ligands ivermectin, heparin and ritonavir showed stable conformations. Our in-silica docking data shows that the drugs we have identified can bind to the binding compartment of both proteases, this strongly supports our hypothesis that the development
of a single antiviral agent targeting Main protease, or 3CL protease, or an agent used in combination with other potential therapies, it could provide an effective line of defense against diseases associated with coronaviruses.
Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of Germanium (Ge) Nanoparticles/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Composite as Anode Material for Lithium Battery
Authors: Chen Xiao , Liu Tao , Feng Chuanqi
Published: January 2021

Germanium (Ge) nanoparticles/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Ge/MWCNTs) composite is synthesized by solvothermal method combined with heat treatment under H2 atmosphere. The Ge particles are buried in MWCNTs network to form expected composite. The MWCNTs not only improve the
conductivity of the composite but also act as a flexible matrix to buffer the volume change of germanium nanoparticles during the process of insertion and de-insertion in lithium ion battery system. The Ge/MWCNTs composite behaves better cycle performance and higher rate capability than those
of pure germanium (Ge) nanoparticles. The Ge/MWCNTs maintained discharge capacity as 1040 mAh·g-1 after 60 cycles at the current density of 100 mA·g-1. It is a promising anode material for lithium ion battery application.
Adsorption Performances and Electrochemical Properties of Methyl Blue onto CoFe2O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhou Xiang-Jun , Wang Yan-Yan , Wang Zhou
Published: January 2021

Magnetic CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were successfully manufactured through the process of nitrate combustion using anhydrous ethanol as fuel, they together with their intermediate were characterized by thermo gravimetric (TG) analysis, selected area electron diffraction
(SAED), transmission electron microscope (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). These results indicated a phenomenon that the magnetic CoFe2O4 nanoparticles could be formed at 400 °C, the average grain size, the specific magnetization,
and the specific surface area of magnetic CoFe2O4 nanoparticles fabricated at 400 °C for 2 h with 30 mL anhydrous ethanol were corresponding 20 nm, 78.0 Am2/kg and 83.2 m2/kg. Magnetic CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were in application
to adsorb methyl blue (MB) of wastewater, and their adsorption performances and electrochemical properties were investigated, the adsorption process data well agreed with the pseudo-second-order kinetics model in concentration ranging from 100 mg/L to 400 mg/L of MB. Compared with Freundlich
model, Langmuir model (correlation coefficient R2 = 0.9976) could evaluate the adsorption equilibrium state of MB onto CoFe2O4 nanoparticles at indoor temperature, so the monomolecular layer adsorption mechanism was demonstrated to be the mechanism of
the MB molecules' adsorption onto CoFe2O4 nanoparticles.
Influence of Alumina Dopant and Environment on the Electrical Properties of Calcium Copper Titanate Ceramics
Authors: Samarakoon Disna P. , Singh Raj N.
Published: January 2021

Calcium copper titanate (CaCu3Ti4O12; CCTO) ceramics are useful as capacitor dielectrics for many applications. In this study the effect of doping with alumina and testing atmospheres in air and dry N2 on the stability and reproducibility
of electrical and dielectric properties of CCTO-xAl2O3 system, where x = 0, 0.5, and 4 wt.% as a function of temperature are investigated. Solid-state synthesis route is used to fabricate the pure and doped CCTO samples sintered at 1080 °C and 1100 °C for
5 h in air. Stable and reproducible dielectric properties are obtained only by switching the measuring atmosphere from air to dry N2. Increased space charge accumulation at the grain boundaries leading to large dielectric constant (ε′) and tan δ are
measured in air. Much lower tan δ values of 0.021–0.020 are obtained with a large ε′ (8,815–11,090) at low frequencies (500–800 Hz) in N2 at 23 °C for 0.5 wt.% alumina in both samples sintered at 1080 °C and 1100 °C. These
results clearly demonstrate that testing environment can dominate the dielectric properties of pure and alumina-doped CCTO at low frequencies unless measured in dry nitrogen atmosphere to achieve intrinsic behavior useful for applications as capacitors.
Naked-Eye Detection of Mercury Ions from Morphological Transition of Silver Nanocubes: Tuning Sensitivity Using Co-Staining Agent
Authors: Jeevika Alagan , Shankaran Dhesingh Ravi
Published: January 2021

A simple, low-cost and highly selective nanosensor was developed for naked-eye detection of mercury ions (Hg2+) based on Eosin/silver nanocubes (Eosin/AgNCbs). Silver nanocubes (AgNCbs) were synthesized by polyol assisted chemical method. HR-TEM result shows the formed AgNCbs
have a mean diameter of 84±0.005 nM (diagonally measured) and edge length of 55±0.01 nM. XRD result confirms that the AgNCbs are single crystalline in nature with a phase structure of face centered cubic (FCC) of silver. On interaction of Hg2+, AgNCbs exhibits a color
change from gray to black up to 16.67 μM of Hg2+ owed to the formation of solid like bimetallic complex of Ag/Hg amalgam. The selectivity of AgNCbs was evaluated with several other toxic metal ions including, Mg2+, Ba2+, Ca4+, Pb2+,
Cd4+, Zn2+, Co2+, Cu2+, K+ and Ni2+ and found good selectivity towards Hg2+. The sensitivity of the AgNCbs sensor system was tuned by using Eosin as a co-staining agent. The Eosin/AgNCbs showed a limit of detection
of 60±0.050 nM with the color change from orange to purple. The results suggests that the Eosin/AgNCbs nanosensor exhibits good selectivity, sensitivity, repeatability and rapid response, which could be explored for real-time detection of Hg2+ in environmental and biological
samples.
Fabrication and Characterization of Multifunctional Curcumin Loaded Poly(methyl methacrylate) Fluorescent Nanofiber Membrane
Authors: Sarika Raj , Shankaran Dhesingh Ravi
Published: January 2021

This work aims at the development of curcumin loaded poly(methyl methacrylate) (CC-PMMA) fluorescent nanofiber membrane and the evaluation of its multifunctional characteristics. The nanofibers were created by electrospinning method. The conditions of the spinning were optimized to
obtain beadless and smooth nanofibers. The physico-chemical characteristics of the nanofibers were studied by various techniques including, polarizing light microscope, FT-IR, inverted epi fluorescence microscope and HR-TEM. The HR-TEM results confirm the formation of nanofibers with the diameter
in the range of 90–200 nm. The average width of PMMA and CC-PMMA nanofibers are ˜90±0.02 nm and ˜110±0.01 nm, respectively. The CC-PMMA nanofibers exhibited the fluorescence shift with an emission around 520 nm. The multifunctional characteristic of CC-PMMA
nanofiber was evaluated for sensor and antibacterial applications. The CC-PMMA nanofiber membrane showed a visible color variation from yellow to red on interaction with ammonia. This colorimetric response to ammonia is highly selective and there was no any interference from other related
organic vapors. In addition, it showed good antibacterial activities for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (zone of inhibition of 27 mm for S. aureus). This is the initial research report in the combination of curcumin and PMMA nanofiber. The multifunctionality of the CC-PMMA
nanofibers could be exploited for various applications including sensors, antibacterial coatings, air filtration and drug delivery.
Fabrication and Analysis of Energy Efficient Low-Cost Wireless Gas Sensor Based on ZnO Thin Films
Authors: Mani Dineshkumar , Ponnusamy Kavitha , Mani Ganesh Kumar , Ponnusamy Dhivya , Tsuchiya Kazuyoshi
Published: January 2021

Industrialization can be greatly appreciated only by limiting the downside of the proposed technology. In this aeon, the recurrent monitoring of industries is statutory in detecting harmful gases and explosions for the global environment safety. Hence, employing specific gas sensors
for detecting malicious gases benefits the welfare of the society. Thus, in this present work, we developed an energy efficient toxic gas sensor using ZnO thin film by seed layer assisted hydrothermal technique. The sensing mechanism of ZnO with the CO analyte was explained and the sensing
parameters such as sensitivity, selectivity, response and recovery time were studied. Further, the developed energy efficient sensor was embedded with wireless sensor assembly for online monitoring which may be functional in developing portable, compact and cost-effective system for various
real time industrial control applications.
Preparation and Self-Assembling of PLA-b-PNIPAM-b-PS Triblock Copolymer Thin Films
Authors: Zhang Diansen , Xia Yuzheng , Gong Hongliang , Zhang Dong , Chen Xiaonong , Shi Shuxian , Lei Lei
Published: January 2021

Polylactide-b-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-b-polystyrene (PLA-b-PNIPAM-b-PS) triblock copolymers (tri-BCPs) with various chemical compositions (block ratio) were prepared from the combination of ring-opening polymerization and reversible addition-fragmentation
chain transfer polymerization. Subsequently, the self-assembling behaviors of these tri-BCP films obtained from spin-coating were investigated by annealing them under different solvent atmosphere. We found that these films could self-assemble into various morphologies due to the microphase
separation of incompatible copolymer blocks. Atomic force microscopy confirmed the perpendicular cylindrical morphology self-assembled from PLA4.5k-b-PNIPAM5.2k-b-PS22.4k tri-BCP film under mixed solvent atmosphere of toluene/acetone (7:3, v/v).
Self-assembled PLA cylinders are evenly distributed among the PS matrix and perpendicular to the film surface, with PNIPAM component taking place at the PLA/PS interphase. Furthermore, by etching the degradable PLA component, porous PS film decorated with PNIPAM “brushes” hoisting
channels were generated. This work provides a facile method and detailed protocol for fabricating stimuli-responsive porous films which are promising for thermoresponsive “smart” separation technologies.
Computational and Experimental Insights into the Role of Acidic Molecules on the Corrosion Behavior on 7A46 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Liu Yaru , Pan Qinglin , Wang Xiangdong , Ji Ye , Liu Qicheng , Huang Zhiqi , Peng Zhuowei , Wang andWeiyi
Published: January 2021

The corrosion mechanisms for different corrosive media on the aged 7A46 aluminum alloy were systematically investigated at nanoscale level. The combination of empirical intergranular and exfoliation corrosion behavior was employed, and coupled with first-principles calculations. Results
revealed that the dispersed distribution of matrix precipitates (MPs) leads to the enhancement of the corrosion resistance pre-ageing (PA) followed by double-ageing (PA-DA) alloy. The deepest corrosion depth of PA-DA alloy was in hydrochloric acid, and the calculation result demonstrates that
the passivation effect in combination with the accumulation of corrosion products in nitric acid protect the PA-DA alloy from further corrosion.
Mixed MoS2/MoO3 Nanostructures for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Aftab Umair , Ansari Hamza Majeed , Abro Muhammad Ishaque , Baloch Muhmmad Moazam , Sirajuddin  , Ibupoto Zafar Hussain
Published: January 2021

The electrolysis of water has paved the way towards a clean, efficient and renewable energy source for the future technologies. Therefore, an efficient electrocatalyst is needed. MoS2 based nonprecious materials are earth-abundant, low cost and promising for the hydrogen
evolution reaction. In this study, the effect of sulfur source on the catalytic properties of the MoS2 nanostructures is investigated. Two different sulfur precursors (i.e., thiourea and L-cysteine) were used for the synthesis of MoS2 nanostructures. The optimization
of the sulfur precursor content was carried out to report the best for the development of the future generation of HER catalysts. The cysteine assisted synthesis results the mixed MoO3/MoS2 composite structure which has shown significant effect on the catalytic activity.
The low concentrations of cysteine and thiourea have shown excellent catalytic activity and stability in 0.5 M H2SO4. TheMoS2 nanostructures with the cysteine as sulfur precursor have shown low Tafel slope of 81 mV dec-1 and a current density of
30 mA cm-2 is obtained at 0.45 V versus RHE. The superior performance of cysteine-based MoS2 sample is due to the rapid charge transfer as confirmed by EIS and excellent conductivity as witnessed by low optical band gap. These findings strengthen the understanding of
fundamental science of Mo-based catalysts for the development of the future generation of electrocatalysts and energy conversion technologies.
An Efficient Nickel Sulfide@NiO Nanocomposite Catalyst with High Density of Active Sites for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Media
Authors: Khokhar Shams Parveen , Abbasi Mazhar Ali , Aftab Umair , Abro Muhammad Ishaq , Shah Aqeel Ahmed , Chandio Ali Dad , Bhatti Adeel Liaquat , Tahira Aneela , Ibupoto Zafar Hussain
Published: January 2021

Efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts based on the earth-abundant materials are highly vital to design practical and environmentally friendly water splitting devices. In this study, we present an optimized strategy for the development of active catalysts for hydrogen
evolution reaction HER. The composite catalysts are prepared with the nanosurface of NiO for the deposition of NiS by hydrothermal method. In alkaline electrolyte, the NiS/NiO nanocomposite has shown excellent catalytic HER properties at the low onset potential and small Tafel slope of 72
mVdec-1. A current density of 10 mA/cm2 is achieved by the nanocomposite obtained with 0.4 gram of NiO as nanosurface for the deposition of NiS (sample 4) at the cost of 429 mV versus RHE. The sample 4 carries more active sites that allow it to act as excellent HER catalyst.
Based on this study, we conclude that increasing the nickel oxide content into composite sample facilitates the HER process. Additionally, a long term HER stability for 10 hours and good durability is also demonstrated by the sample 4. Our findings reveal that the optimization of nickel oxide
content in the preparation of catalyst leads to the excellent HER activity for the design of practical water splitting devices and other related applications.
Influence of Co-Doping on Magnetic Properties and Magnetocaloric Effect of Fe–Co–Zr–Cu–B Melt-Spun Ribbons
Authors: Yen Nguyen Hai , Ha Nguyen Hoang , Thanh Pham Thi , Ngoc Nguyen Huy , Thanh Tran Dang , Dan Nguyen Huy
Published: January 2021

In this work, we investigated magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect in Fe90−xCoxZr7Cu1B2 (x = 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4) melt-spun ribbons. The ribbons were prepared by using a melt-spinning method with
a tangential velocity of a copper wheel of 40 m·s-1. The obtained ribbons are almost amorphous. The alloys exhibit typical soft magnetic behavior with low coercivity at room temperature. A minor replacement of Fe by Co gives an increment in Curie temperature (TC)
of the alloys to higher temperatures. The TC of the alloys increases from 242 to 342 K with an increase of x from 0 to 4. Maximum magnetic entropy change, ΔSm max, of the alloys, was found to be larger than 0.7 J·kg-1·K-1
in a magnetic field change ΔH of 12 kOe for all the concentrations of Co. High refrigerant capacitys (RC >100 J ·kg-1 with ΔH = 12 kOe) at room temperature region have been obtained for the alloys. The large magnetocaloric effect near room temperature
suggests that the alloys can be considered as magnetic refrigerants in the range of 250–350 K.
Tin as an Effective Doping Agent into ZnO for the Improved Photodegradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Shah Aqeel Ahmed , Bhatti Muhammad Ali , Chandio Ali Dad , Almani Khalida Faryal , Abbasi Mazhar Ali , Bhatti Adeel Liaquat , Mugheri Abdul Qayoom , Willander Magnus , Nour Omer , Waryani Baradi , Tahira Aneela , Ibupoto Zafar Hussain
Published: January 2021

We have fabricated ZnO nano rods by hydrothermal method and successively doped them with tin (Sn) using different concentrations of 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg of tin chloride. XRD of the fabricated structures showed that ZnO possess hexagonal wurtzite phase. Scanning electron microscopy
(SEM) was used to explore the morphology and it shows nanorod like morphology for all samples and no considerable change in the structural features were found. The dimension of nanorod is 200 to 300 nm. The doped materials were then investigated for their photo catalytic degradation of environmental
pollutant Rhodamine B. The performance of doped ZnO is compared with the pristine ZnO. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to explore the morphology and it shows nanorod like morphology for all samples and no considerable change in the structural features were found. The dimension
of nanorod is 200 to 300 nm. XRD of the fabricated structures showed that ZnO possess hexagonal wurtzite phase. Photo catalytic activity of rhodamine B was investigated under UV light and a maximum degradation efficiency of 85% was obtained. The optical property reveals the reduction in band
gap of upto 17.14% for 100 mg Sn doped ZnO. The degradation is followed by the pseudo order kinetics. The produced results are unique in terms of facile synthesis of Sn doped ZnO and excellent photo degradation efficiency, therefore these materials can be used for other environmental applications.
Effect of Magnetic Magnetite (Fe3O4) Nanoparticle Size on Arsenic (V) Removal from Water
Authors: Thao N. T. T. , Nguyen D. H. , Kien Pham The , Duong Thanh-Tung , Lien Nguyen Thi Kim , Tri Doan Quang , Linh Duong Thi Thuy , Lan N. T.
Published: January 2021

Magnetic magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles with average sizes of 5.11, 10.53, and 14.76 nm were synthesized by the chemical co-precipitation method. The surface area of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (average size of 5.11 nm) had the largest value of 167
m2/g. The adsorption capacity for removing arsenic (As(V)) from water at 3 ppm concentration was investigated by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results showed that the As(V) adsorption capacity of Fe3O4 was dependent on particle size. The maximum absorption
efficiency (Hmax) reached 99.02%, the equilibrium time was 30 min; the maximum Langmuir isotherm adsorption capacity was 14.46 mg/g with Fe3O4 nanoparticle an average size of 5 nm. The results indicate that reducing the size of Fe3O4
nanoparticles is a promised way for As(V) ion removal from water and wastewater treatment.
The Cu Matrix Strengthened by TiH2–C In-Situ Synthesized via Mechanical Milling and Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Thi Nguyen , Oanh Hoang , Viet Nguyen Hoang
Published: January 2021

The present work is focused on the fabrication and the investigation of microstructures of copperbased TiC nanocomposites produced by mechanical milling in a high energy planetary ball mill. TiH2, carbon and copper powders were used as starting materials in which In-Situ
reaction between carbon and TiH2 occurs to form TiC nanoparticles. The mixture powders of Cu–TiH2–C were milled for 12 h at 450 rpm in Argon gas. Annealing treatment process at 950 °C for 2 h was applied for as-milled composite powders to enhance In-Situ
reaction. The consolidation of composite powders was conducted by spark plasma sintering under uniaxial pressing of 70 MPa. Sintering procedure was done at 950 and 1000 °C for 5 min. The results indicated that as TiC nanoparticles are formed after sintering at 950 °C and the TiC particles
are increased up at higher sintering temperature of 1000 °C. Fracture surface of sintered samples shows ductile mode. HR-TEM image showed the crystal size of copper was about 10 nm for sample sintered at 1000 °C. The hardness and relative density of the nanocomposites increase when
increasing sintering temperature.
The Dependence of Structure, Morphology, and Photocatalytic Properties of SnO2 Nanoparticles Prepared via In Situ Hydrothermal Method on Annealing Temperature
Authors: Tuan Pham Van , Hieu Le Trung , Tan Vu Thi , Hoa Tran Thi Quynh , Nga La Quynh , Khiem Tran Ngoc
Published: January 2021

New high-performance photocatalytic materials are required to effectively treat water pollution. The effect of annealing temperature on the photocatalytic activities of tin dioxide (SnO2) nanoparticles is investigated in this work. SnO2 nanoparticles are prepared
via a hydrothermal method and annealing at various temperatures ranging from as-prepared to 900 °C. The size of SnO2 nanoparticles increases from 4 nm to 10 nm with an increase in annealing temperature. The photocatalytic properties of these nanoparticles are evaluated through
the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under sunlight. Photocatalytic activities decrease significantly with an increase in annealing temperature due to an increase in size and a decrease in the surface area of SnO2 nanoparticles.
Nursing Effect of Hyaluronic Acid/Silver Nanoclusters on Patients After Total Laryngectomy
Authors: Xiao Huan , Wan Huan , Xiao Xuping , Zhou Wen , Shi Xialing , Li Liang , Xiang Qin
Published: January 2021

Postoperative bacterial infections are a major obstacle to patient recovery after total laryngectomy, and the development of antibiotics seemed to satisfactorily solve this problem. However, bacteria develop drug resistance to a large number of antibiotic drugs and form “superbugs,”
which cause great harm to the public health. Based on this, the development of new antimicrobials has become the focus of research worldwide. In this study, we prepared a hyaluronic acid/silver nanocluster (HA/Ag NC) composite hydrogel based on a hyaluronic acid carrier and proved with clinical
trials that it has an excellent antibacterial effect and can significantly reduce the incidence of inflammatory reactions in postoperative patients. In addition, the hydrogel effectively promotes the healing of surgical incisions and accelerates the proliferation of granulation tissue. As
a result, the HA/Ag NCs compound hydrogel can offers a high-quality healing effect in patients after total laryngectomy.
Incidence of Intraoperative and Postoperative Complications After Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction or Repair: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature
Authors: Maheshwer Bhargavi , Drager Justin , John Nalin S. , Williams Brady T. , LaPrade Robert F. , Chahla Jorge
Published: January 2021

Background:

Posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries of the knee are being increasingly recognized and treated in current orthopaedic practice. While there are numerous systematic reviews evaluating the management and outcomes after PLC injuries, there are limited data investigating complications after PLC reconstruction or repair.

Purpose:

To systematically review the literature to determine the incidence of postoperative complications after the surgical treatment of PLC injury.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed (2008-2019), Embase (2008-2019), and MEDLINE (2008-2019) were queried for literature reporting on PLC reconstruction or repair, with or without concomitant ligamentous or meniscal surgery. Data including type of surgery performed, concomitant procedures, and follow-up time were extracted. Complications recorded included intra- and postoperative complications.

Results:

After the intra- and postoperative complication data of 60 studies (1747 cases) were combined, surgical management of PLC injuries was associated with an intraoperative complication rate of 0.34% (range, 0%-2.8%) and a postoperative complication rate of 20% (range, 0%-51.2%). The most common postoperative complication was arthrofibrosis (range, 0%-20%). The overall infection rate was 1.3% (range, 0%-10%). Four cases of postoperative common peroneal nerve palsy were reported. Failure of reconstruction or repair was reported in 164 (9.4%) of all cases examined (range, 0%-37.1%).

Conclusion:

Although the intraoperative rate of complications during PLC reconstructions is low, postoperative complications rates of 20% can be expected, including arthrofibrosis, infection, and neurovascular injury. PLC structures repaired or reconstructed failed in 9.4% of the cases.
A prospective, population-based, surveillance (BOSU) study of uveal effusion syndrome in the UK
Authors: Sharma Rohit , Foot Barny , Jackson Timothy L
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

To determine the incidence and demographic profile of uveal effusion syndrome (UES), and to describe the visual and anatomic outcome following deep sclerectomy or vortex vein decompression.

Methods:

The British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit (BOSU) mails reporting cards monthly to 1149 senior UK ophthalmologists, who are requested to report incident cases of specified rare diseases. UES was included in the reporting system from October 2009 to October 2011. If UES was identified, ophthalmologists were mailed a questionnaire to collect anonymized clinical data at baseline, and 12 months after.

Results:

Over 2 years, 29 cases were reported. Two cases were duplicates and 12 failed to meet the eligibility criteria. Of the 15 eligible cases, age ranged from 11 to 91 years (mean 62) and nine were males (60%). Ten patients were hypermetropic; three had an axial length of 19.0 mm or less. Estimated annual incidence was 1.2 per 10 million population. Seven cases were managed nonsurgically, including observation (one case), topical steroids (two cases), systemic steroids (three cases), and cyclodiode laser (one case). Eight cases (11 eyes) underwent full-thickness sclerectomy; the elevated flap was retained in four. The sclera was noted to be thick and rigid during surgery in five cases. Median preoperative visual acuity was 6/18, changing slightly to 6/21.5 at final review, with three eyes showing complete anatomic response, five showing some improvement, and three failing to respond.

Conclusions:

UES is extremely rare. It occurs in a range of ages, but is most common in middle-aged, hypermetropic men. Visual acuity can be materially reduced. The most commonly used surgical treatment in the UK is deep sclerectomy.
The Social Life of a Barrier: A Material Ethnography of Urban Counter-terrorism
Authors: Trandberg Jensen Martin , Jensen Ole B.
Published: January 2021

In the aftermath of the truck attacks in Berlin, Nice, Paris, and Stockholm, new counter-terrorism measures are being installed in European city centers. Through an ethnographic approach, this article explores the socio-material effects triggered by the most conspicuous material responses to hostile vehicle treats: concrete barriers. We draw on the recent turn towards mobilities design thinking to address the béton barriers as more-than physical obstructions, but designed artefacts negotiated and re-appropriated in unexpected ways. Set in the context of Copenhagen, we explore how the concrete barriers reveal the social, cultural, and practical conditions of the city. By establishing a critical mobilities design-oriented understanding of counter-terrorism “in situ,” we seek to broaden out what the process of “designing out terrorism” entails and to discuss new participatory design processes for future transformations of the city in light of terrorism threats.