bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementasi Tari Kreasi Luwu Untuk Meningkatkan Motorik Kasar Anak
Authors: Mutiara  , Dwiwansyah Lisa Aditya , Eka Poppi Hutami  , Pertiwi Kamariah Hasis  , Rifa’ah Mahmudah Bulu
Published: December 2024

The type of research used is Classroom Action Research (PTK), with two cycles, namely Cycle I which consists of 4 meetings and Cycle II which consists of 4 meetings. The subjects of this research were 15 children from group B of the Pembina Baebunta Kindergarten for the 2022-2023 academic year, consisting of 6 boys and 9 girls. The data collection techniques for this research are observation and documentation. The research instrument used was an assessment rubric for student observation sheet guidelines. The data collected was then analyzed using data collection techniques through observation, documentation, reflection, evaluation and quantitative data analysis techniques. The success of this research is determined by the research results scores which show an increase in children's learning outcomes. The score in the initial or pre-action condition was 31.25% of all indicators and did not meet the good category in Cycle I with an average observation score of 58% of all indicators and did not meet the good category. Cycle II with an overall average score of 89.5% of all indicators and reached the good category. Thus, this classroom action research (PTK) was successful so that the researchers recommended learning using Luwu Creation Dance to improve children's gross motor development at Pembina Baebunta Kindergarten.
Peran Guru Dalam Mengembangkan Kedisiplinan Pada Anak Usia Dini
Authors: Mulya Neni
Published: December 2024

The role of teachers in developing discipline is very important for students because discipline has the aim of instilling a sense of responsibility and self-control in young children. Apart from the development of discipline, it can also be seen from the behavior and actions implemented in everyday life which cannot be separated from the teacher's understanding of the objectives of the process of developing discipline for students. This type of research is descriptive qualitative with data collection techniques through observation and interviews regarding  the  role  in  developing  discipline  in  early  childhood.  at  PAUD  Al-Hikmah, Tanjungan Village, Katibung District, South Lampung Regency. Not only teachers play an important role in the process of developing discipline in early childhood, but parents are the ones who really have an influence in developing discipline in early childhood. The development of discipline in early childhood is very influential and has a serious impact on the formation of a sense of responsibility in early childhood.
Perony pasażerskie jako element infrastruktury kolejowej Wyrok TSUE z 10 lipca 2019 r. w sprawie C-210/18 WESTbahn Management GmbH przeciwko ÖBB-Infrastruktur AG
Authors: Miedzińska Iwona
Published: December 2024

Celem artykułu jest omówienie wyroku TSUE z 10 lipca 2019 r. w sprawie C–210/18 WESTbahn Management GmbH. W analizowanym wyroku Trybunał stwierdził, że perony pasażerskie, o których mowa w załączniku I do dyrektywy 2012/34/UE w sprawie utworzenia jednolitego europejskiego obszaru kolejowego, są elementem infrastruktury kolejowej, w związku z czym ich użytkowanie wchodzi w zakres minimalnego pakietu dostępu. Zakwalifikowanie infrastruktury peronowej jako elementu infrastruktury kolejowej lub obiektu infrastruktury usługowej ma istotne znaczenie w kontekście zasad pobierania od przewoźników kolejowych opłat za jej udostępnianie oraz ich wysokości, jak również obowiązku zapewnienia sprawiedliwego dostępu do infrastruktury kolejowej.
Misselling na rynku niebankowych kredytów konsumenckich w świetle aktualnych problemów rynkowych
Authors:   Wydział Prawa, Administracji i Ekonomii Uniwersytetu Wrocławskiego, Paleczna Magdalena
Published: December 2024

Instytucje pożyczkowe i oferowane przez nie usługi kredytowe stanowią coraz większy procent rynku kredytowego w Polsce. Obserwacja tego rynku oraz postępowań prowadzonych przez Prezesa Urzędu Ochrony Konkurencji i Konsumentów wobec instytucji pożyczkowych potwierdzają występowanie dużej skali nieprawidłowości, które bezpośrednio dotyczą konsumentów – zasadniczo nieprofesjonalnych uczestników rynku finansowego. Wśród tych nieprawidłowości należy wyróżnić misselling będący praktyką naruszającą zbiorowe interesy konsumentów i polegający na proponowaniu usług finansowych (w przypadku instytucji pożyczkowych – usług kredytowych), które nie odpowiadają rzeczywistym potrzebom konsumentów lub są oferowane w sposób nieadekwatny do ich charakteru. Misselling w praktykach instytucji pożyczkowych przejawia się między innymi poprzez: nieprawidłowe informowanie konsumentów o cechach usługi kredytowej, nieinformowanie o kosztach związanych z nabywaną usługą, stosowanie zróżnicowanych i wygórowanych opłat, przekonywanie o atrakcyjności i konieczności nabycia usługi finansowej przez konsumenta. Za misselling można uznać także reklamę wprowadzającą w błąd. W artykule poddano analizie zjawisko missellingu w praktykach instytucji pożyczkowych. Przedstawiono również propozycję sposobów ograniczania i zapobiegania zjawisku missellingu na rynku niebankowych kredytów konsumenckich.
Jurysdykcja krajowa w sprawach dotyczących naprawienia szkody spowodowanej naruszeniem prawa konkurencji – wnioski w świetle wyroku TSUE z dnia 29 lipca 2019 r. w sprawie C-451/18 – Tibor-Trans przeciwko DAF Trucks
Authors: Mariak Aleksandra
Published: December 2024

Artykuł porusza problematykę jurysdykcji krajowej nad sporami dotyczącymi szkody wywołanej naruszeniem prawa konkurencji. W opracowaniu omówiono dotychczasowe orzecznictwo TSUE dotyczące jurysdykcji szczególnej określonej w art. 7 pkt 2 rozporządzenia 1215/12, zapadłe na gruncie spraw z zakresu private enforcement, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem orzeczenia w sprawie C-451/18 – Tibor-Trans. Analiza wykazała, że wykładnia łącznika miejsca wystąpienia szkody antymonopolowej jest dokonywana ad casum i nie jest jeszcze w pełni ukształtowana. Komentowany wyrok Tibor-Trans w dalszy sposób precyzuje tę interpretację poprzez wskazanie, że również miejsce poniesienia szkody przez nabywcę pośredniego może – w określonych okolicznościach – stanowić podstawę przyznania jurysdykcji szczególnej określonej w art. 7 pkt 2 rozporządzenia 1215/12.
Naming and Diffusing the Understanding Objection in Healthcare Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Wadden Jordan Joseph
Published: December 2024

Informed consent is often argued to be one of the more significant potential problems for the implementation and widespread onboarding of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in healthcare decision-making. This is because of the concern revolving around whether, and to what degree, patients can understand what contributes to the decision-making process when an algorithm is involved. In this paper, I address what I call the Understanding Objection, which is the idea that AI systems will cause problems for the informational criteria involved in proper informed consent. I demonstrate that collaboration with clinicians in a human-in-the-loop partnership can alleviate these concerns around understanding, regardless how one conceptualizes the scope of understanding. Importantly, I argue that the human clinicians must be the second reader in the partnership to avoid institutional deference to the machine and best promote clinicians as the experts in the process.
Impératifs éthiques : défense de la vaccination obligatoire en CHSLD
Authors: Chaccour Elias , Daher Mary-Jo
Published: December 2024

Cet article examine la décision du gouvernement du Québec de rendre obligatoire la vaccination aux travailleurs des centres d’hébergement et de soins de longue durée en réponse à la pandémie de COVID-19. Il explore les arguments en faveur de cette mesure, tels que la protection des résidents vulnérables et la préservation des services de santé, tout en examinant les préoccupations liées à une possible pénurie de main-d’oeuvre, les droits individuels.
Responding to Substance Use in Racialized Communities in Canada in the Current Polysubstance Era
Authors: Pahwa Manisha , Mehta Chetan
Published: December 2024

Racialized people experience excess and preventable harm from substance use, raising questions about how justice ought to be pursued via health policy. This case study is intended to surface how bioethical perspectives may contribute to informing approaches to racial justice in public health policy decision-making about substance use.
The Moral Dissociation Curve, Blind Spots and Prescribing Death in Canada
Authors: Sams II Richard W
Published: December 2024

Provider assisted death is becoming a leading cause of death in Canada since the passage of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) legislation in 2016. What was to be exceptional has now become common; some are calling for it to be expected. Increasing numbers of patients with chronic, non-terminal conditions are being euthanized. Healthcare personnel are now approving and offering MAiD to vulnerable patients who are depressed, disabled, chronically ill or impoverished. This paper presents a rationale from a transcendent moral law perspective, traditionally called natural law, for why Canada now has the most liberal euthanasia regime in the world. The act of euthanasia requires the provider to willfully end the life of the patient by administering a lethal substance. This violates the transcendent moral law, do not kill. Once a culture willfully rejects this fundamental law and embraces a utilitarian ethic devoid of any principle except the notion of autonomy, it is inevitable that the practice will lead to ethical ambiguity and uncertainty. As the practice persists and becomes the norm, moral blindness develops which leads to gross abuses to human beings. I present an ethical diagram, the Moral Dissociation Curve, that depicts the reason for the trends unfolding in Canada. The Canadian healthcare system must re-affirm the principles of the Hippocratic Ethic and the inherent dignity of their patients. Those in healthcare need to prioritize high quality, compassionate, palliative care and say “no” to willfully ending the lives of suffering patients. In so doing, moral clarity will be re-gained, and society’s most vulnerable will be protected.
Central Management of Research Misconduct in the USA and Canada
Authors: Shuster Jonathan J.
Published: December 2024

This paper proposes major changes in how research misconduct cases should be managed in the USA and Canada. Specifically, I advocate for centralized oversight that completely removes research institutions from this role in order to: mitigate institutional conflicts of interest, standardize definitions of research misconduct, better preserve confidentiality of complainants (those alleging misconduct), ensure that cases are not screened for rejection, mobilize a review panel of experts who are free of conflicts of interest, avoid inappropriate collective punishment of institutions, and ultimately save resources as compared to current decentralized systems. Two cases which this author, as complainant, alleged research misconduct (in the USA and Canada) demonstrate clearly how far institutional Research Integrity Officers can go to prevent an impartial expert review. Given that our institutions and scientific community rightly have zero tolerance for research misconduct, the current decentralized practice should be a grave concern to those who hope to trust in proper oversight. A discussion follows, including comments on new directives for 2025 from the US Office of Research Integrity and the implications of high-profile cases. I conclude with details as to how cases might be brought to justice under the proposed centralized process.
Assessment of the Road Ecosystem for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Kondratovič Vladislav , Palevičius Vytautas , Čygas Donatas , Rimkuvienė Jurgita , Smirnovs Juris
Published: December 2024

The rapid advancement of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology heralds a transformative era in mobility, promising to redefine transportation with enhanced efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Realizing this potential necessitates road ecosystem that fosters seamless interactions between AVs, infrastructure, and societal elements. This article assesses road ecosystem criterion groups tailored for AVs, encompassing critical components for their seamless operation. It addresses physical and digital infrastructure, communications, social environment and road users, and legal and economic environments. Integrating these diverse criterion groups creates a holistic framework supporting AV deployment and operation. By assessing the interplay between these groups, the study highlights the most important areas that facilitate seamless AV integration. The analysis examines the importance of current infrastructure for AVs, the effectiveness of communication systems, and the impact of social environment and road users, alongside the regulatory and economic conditions necessary for AV adoption. This article underscores the critical need for a multidisciplinary approach in shaping the future of transportation, paving the way for a seamless and sustainable transition into the era of autonomous mobility.
Sustainable Biochar Production from Date Palms: A Scoping Review of Solutions for Arab Regions
Authors: Burezq Hana'a Adel
Published: December 2024

This scoping review investigates the potential of date palm biochar for sustainable agriculture in Arab nations. Analysis reveals that the 82.35 million date palm trees across 18 Arab countries could yield 576,423 tons of biochar annually, offering a significant resource for improving soil sustainability. This study systematically examines existing literature on date palm biochar production, its impact on soil health (including water and nutrient conservation), optimal application methods, and its potential to enhance food security in arid regions. The findings highlight the economic and environmental benefits of biochar, particularly for small-scale farmers, and discuss the Kuwait Biochar Initiative as a successful model for wider adoption of this sustainable agricultural practice. The review concludes by emphasizing the global potential of date palm biochar for sustainable agriculture and soil health.
A importância do atendimento educacional especializado nas salas de recursos multifuncionais para inclusão e aprendizagem do estudante com Transtorno de Espectro Autista
Authors: Nogueira Elizabeth Pessanha , Neves Michelly Cristiane das , Ottoni Rúbia , Seimetz Rui
Published: December 2024

A abordagem utilizada na sala de recurso multifuncional para com a criança com Transtorno do Espectro Autista diz respeito à personalização do ensino para que o estudante seja incluso no ensino regular. Promover a participação e a aprendizagem do estudante autista dentro de um espaço que possui materiais pedagógicos adaptados para oferecer um Atendimento Educacional Especializado. Por meio de estudo da legislação a pesquisa teve caráter qualitativa, utilizou-se da metodologia bibliográfica. O estudo trouxe a significância do profissional atuante nesse ambiente, bem como buscou entender algumas especificidades do Transtorno do Espectro Autista afim de valorizar as diferenças, oferecendo apoio substancial para cada criança autista. Constatou-se que a realidade ainda está longe do ideal quando se trata da reintegração e da inclusão da pessoa com autismo, devido a falta de capacitação do corpo docente. Portanto a sala de recursos é uma ferramenta importante para o desenvolvimento do aprendente, sendo a frequência da mesma um direito de todo aluno que necessita de educação especial.
Seasonal Diversity and Abundance of Phytoplankton Influenced by Physicochemical Parameters in the Lower River Benue, Nigeria
Authors: Adamu Aliyu Bature , Ja’afaru Ali , Abubakar Kotos Abdulrahaman , Torsabo Donald
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the seasonal diversity and abundance of phytoplankton in the Lower River Benue, influenced by various physicochemical parameters. The research was conducted over an 18-month period, from January 2020 to June 2021, across three sampling sites: Lau, Mayo-Ranewo, and Ibi. Phytoplankton samples were collected monthly, covering both dry and wet seasons, and analyzed for diversity and abundance. Concurrently, water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), hardness, fluoride, and nitrate were measured. The results indicated significant seasonal variations in phytoplankton distribution, with higher abundance during the wet season due to increased water flow and nutrient input from runoff. Key species identified included Microcystis flos-aquae, Euglena gracilis, and Spirogyra sp., which collectively contributed to nearly half of the total phytoplankton abundance. The study also revealed that physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, and nutrient concentrations directly influenced phytoplankton diversity and abundance. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlighted the correlations between environmental parameters and phytoplankton distribution, showing that temperature negatively correlated with turbidity and nitrate, while BOD had a significant negative correlation with fluoride and nitrate. This research provides valuable insights into the ecological processes governing the Lower River Benue and underscores the importance of monitoring water quality to develop effective water resource management strategies.
A Novel Study of Shigella Biosurfactants Like Molecule Produced and Assessed Anaerobically
Authors: Kayath Christian Aimé , Nieko Nicole Prisca Makaya Dangui , Kinavouidi Duchel Jeanedvi Kinouani , Malanda Christ Dieuveil Bayakissa , Nguimbi Etienne
Published: December 2024

Shigella has settled on extremely sophisticated mechanisms to disrupt host cell progressions to endorse infection, escape immune exposure, and avoid bacterial clearance. The design of new therapeutic targets for the optimal management of Shigella infection must give a follow-up action target in the live anaerobic cycle. The aim of this present work is to explore the ability of Shigella to produce and secrete biosurfactant like molecules anaerobically.  This study describes the isolation of 93 Shigella spp. candidates, from hospital and environmental samples. These isolates, plus lab strains, were tested in a comprehensive in vitro screening regime including biochemical and microbiological analysis, emulsification index (EI24), the DNA technology and sequencing, swarming test, the biofilm formation and S. flexneri were able to secrete and produce biosurfactant with the percentage ranging from 68 to 100%. Strains were also swarming in semisolid media, with swarm diameters ranging from 75 to 85 mm on soft agar (0.5%) in the absence of oxygen. This study showed that Shigella were unable to invade eggs in the absence of oxygen, with zero (0%) invasion rates, but retained their ability to form biofilms. The invasion rate was zero in anaerobiosis and more than 50% in aerobiosis. These results show that biosurfactants are produced in cotranslational pathways and are secreted into the extracellular medium through the Shigella type three secretion system (T3SS). Shigella biosurfactants are involved in biofilm formation and secrete into the extracellular medium via the phenomenon known as the "T3SS leakage."
Screening of New Wheat Varieties (Triticum aestivum L.) Suitable for Late-sown Conditions, High Yield Potential, and Favorable Economics in the Central Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Deepu  , Shrivastava A. K. , Kumar Shravan , Bhayankar
Published: December 2024

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi season of 2020-21 at the Student’s Instructional Farm of Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur U.P. India., The objectives were to screen out the new wheat varieties suitable for late sown condition, to find out the nutritive status and yield potentiality of varieties sown under late sown condition, and to find out the economics. The eight varieties (V1K307, V2 K9107, V3 KD9851, V4 K7903, V5 K1006, V6 K1317, V7 K8434, & V8 K 424) were tested in Randomized Block Design with three replications. Result showed that wheat variety V5 (K1006) gave significantly the highest grain yield (52.50 q/ha) and net income (Rs. 96988/ha) in comparison to all other varieties. The minimum grain yield (27.80 q/ha) and net income (Rs.34005/ha) was recorded for the variety V6 (K1317).
Effect of Coconut Fiber Wall Panels on Humidity Conditions in a Tropical House
Authors: Supomo Wila Prakasita Scotiswara , Antaryama I Gusti Ngurah , Samodra FX Teddy Badai
Published: December 2024

Houses in warm and humid tropical regions, like Indonesia, often experience uncomfortable conditions due to high temperatures aggravated by high humidity. With its adsorptive characteristics, natural coconut fiber can be utilized as wall panels and assigned to regulate house humidity levels. Research focusing on investigating the adsorptive capability of the natural coconut fiber in controlling humidity is widely available, but that specifically examines the effect of the surface area of the material on air humidity conditions in humid tropical extant houses is still limited. A field experiment was conducted in a small Surabaya house. The study analyzes the impact of coconut fiber (CF) wall panels on humidity conditions in each house room and the optimal surface area of the wall panels. CF wall panels were found to reduce the indoor relative humidity (RH) significantly. The optimal surface area varied depending on room characteristics. The optimal surface area of the wall panels for the living room is six (6) m² with a 28% RH reduction, for the bedroom is six (6) m² with a 27% reduction, and for the kitchen is five (5) m² with a 27% reduction.
First Record of the Water Mold Achlya bisexualis (Saprolegniaceae) Isolated from Ornamental Fish in South Africa
Authors: Greeff-Laubscher Mariska Riana , Christison Kevin William , Smit Nicholas Jacobus
Published: November 2019

The order Saprolegniales (Class Oomycota) is a group of fungus-like eukaryotic microorganisms that have been associated with infections in fish and fish eggs. Infections with microorganisms from this order are clearly evident because they have a cotton wool-like appearance. The aim of this study was to characterize and identify an oomycete that was isolated from the eye of an Orange Blotched Peacock Cichlid Aulonacara sp. A sample of cotton wool-like mycelia was isolated and single-spore isolations were conducted. Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the ITS1-5.8-ITS2 rDNA region for all isolates were used for species identification. Following molecular identification, one isolate was used to culture and characterize the reproductive structures. Physiological characterization entailed incubating the isolate on potato dextrose agar (PDA) at five different temperatures, ranging from 5°C to 25°C, to monitor growth rates. A multiple sequence alignment showed 100% similarity between all of the single-spore isolates and alignment with other Achlya bisexualis strains. Long, coarse hyphae with zoosporangia and gemmae typical of the order Saprolegniales were observed with an optimal growth rate at 25°C. The oomycete that was isolated from an Orange Blotched Peacock Cichlid was identified as A. bisexualis, the first record of this species in South Africa.
Advanced Photoresponsive Materials Using the Metal–Organic Framework Approach
Authors: Haldar Ritesh , Heinke Lars , Wöll Christof
Published: November 2019

When fabricating macroscopic devices exploiting the properties of organic chromophores, the corresponding molecules need to be condensed into a solid material. Since optical absorption properties are often strongly affected by interchromophore interactions, solids with a well‐defined structure carry substantial advantages over amorphous materials. Here, the metal–organic framework (MOF)‐based approach is presented. By appropriate functionalization, most organic chromophores can be converted to function as linkers, which can coordinate to metal or metal‐oxo centers so as to yield stable, crystalline frameworks. Photoexcitations in such chromophore‐based MOFs are surveyed, with a special emphasis on light‐switchable MOFs from photochromic molecules. The conventional powder form of MOFs obtained using solvothermal approaches carries certain disadvantages for optical applications, such as limited efficiency resulting from absorption and light scattering caused by the (micrometer‐sized) powder particles. How these problems can be avoided by using MOF thin films is demonstrated.
Ultrastrong and Highly Conductive MXene‐Based Films for High‐Performance Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Liu Ji , Liu Zhangshuo , Zhang Hao‐Bin , Chen Wei , Zhao Zhenfang , Wang Qi‐Wei , Yu Zhong‐Zhen
Published: November 2019

Ultrathin and flexible electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials are urgently required to shield increasingly serious radiation pollution. Newly emerged 2‐dimensional transition‐metal carbides (MXenes) are promising for efficient EMI shielding due to their superb electrical conductivity, versatile surface chemistry, and layered structure. However, the mechanical performance of MXene films is not satisfactory for engineering applications, and the traditional reinforcement approaches usually cause serious reduction in electrical conductivity of the films. An efficient strategy is demonstrated to reinforce MXene films with graphene oxide, leading to enhanced interfacial interactions and more densely packed layered structures. The modified MXene film exhibits a high tensile strength of 209 MPa while maintaining its high electrical conductivity close to that of pristine MXene film. An outstanding shielding effectiveness of 50.2 dB is achieved at a small film thickness of 7 µm. Moreover, a facile technique is used to tune the wetting behavior of the modified MXene films. The water contact angle can be readily regulated from 65.7° to 95.7°. This film, with excellent EMI shielding performance and tunable wetting behavior, is highly promising for various applications in aerospace, flexible supercapacitors, and smart electronics.
Stack Pressure Considerations for Room‐Temperature All‐Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Doux Jean‐Marie , Nguyen Han , Tan Darren H. S. , Banerjee Abhik , Wang Xuefeng , Wu Erik A. , Jo Chiho , Yang Hedi , Meng Ying Shirley
Published: November 2019

All‐solid‐state batteries are expected to enable batteries with high energy density with the use of lithium metal anodes. Although solid electrolytes are believed to be mechanically strong enough to prevent lithium dendrites from propagating, various reports today still show cell failure due to lithium dendrit growth at room temperature. While cell parameters such as current density, electrolyte porosity, and interfacial properties have been investigated, mechanical properties of lithium metal and the role of applied stack pressure on the shorting behavior are still poorly understood. Here, failure mechanisms of lithium metal are investigated in all‐solid‐state batteries as a function of stack pressure, and in situ characterization of the interfacial and morphological properties of the buried lithium is conducted in solid electrolytes. It is found that a low stack pressure of 5 MPa allows reliable plating and stripping in a lithium symmetric cell for more than 1000 h, and a Li | Li6PS5Cl | LiNi0.80Co0.15Al0.05O2 full cell, plating more than 4 µm of lithium per charge, is able to cycle over 200 cycles at room temperature. These results suggest the possibility of enabling the lithium metal anode in all‐solid‐state batteries at reasonable stack pressures.
Breakthrough Carbon Nanotube–Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Tune Daniel D. , Mallik Nitin , Fornasier Heike , Flavel Benjamin S.
Published: November 2019

The latest advances in carbon nanotube–silicon heterojunction solar cells are combined with a new doping protocol based on the outstanding electron withdrawing properties and excellent silicon surface passivation ability of sulfonated polytetrafluoroethylene (Nafion). Using this new dopant for carbon nanotube–silicon solar cells, advanced substrate design, and an optimized antireflective texture fast etch with organic base, breakthrough performance is obtained from research grade devices with active areas of 1 and 5 cm2, which yield power conversion efficiencies of 17.2 and 15.5%, respectively.
Fragmentation and film growth in supersonic nanoaggregate aerosol deposition
Authors: Ghosh Souvik , Chen Xiaoshuang , Li Chenxi , Olson Bernard A. , Hogan Christopher J.
Published: November 2019

Aerosol deposition with gas phase‐synthesized chain‐like nanoaggregates can yield dense coatings from the impaction of particles on a substrate; however, dense coating formation is not well understood. Here, we study coating consolidation at the single nanoaggregate level. Flame spray pyrolysis‐made tin oxide nanoaggregates are mobility (size) filtered, accelerated through a de Laval nozzle, and impacted on alumina substrates. TEM images obtained from low velocity collection and supersonic deposition are compared via quantitative image analysis, which reveals that upon supersonic impact nanoaggregates fragment into smaller aggregates. This suggests that fragmentation is a key step in producing coatings denser than the depositing nanoaggregates themselves. We supplement experiments with detailed particle trajectory calculations, which show that the impact energies per atom during nanoaggregate deposition are below 0.2 eV/molecule. These results suggest that fragmentation can only occur at locations where nanoaggregates bonded by van der Waals and capillary interactions.
Tricuspid valve‐in‐valve jailing right ventricular lead is not free of risk
Authors: Paz Rios Luis H. , Alsaad Ali A. , Guerrero Mayra , Metzl Mark D.
Published: November 2019

Transcatheter tricuspid valve in valve (TViV) is increasingly performed on patients with degenerated bioprosthetic valves and elevated surgical risk. Jailing a right ventricular (RV) pacer lead at the time of TViV implantation has been achieved without causing lead dysfunction; however, device‐related complications that require lead extraction raise the need for better periprocedural strategies for TViV, in pacer‐dependent patients. We describe a case of device pocket infection with incomplete lead extraction, due to a jailed RV lead at the time of TViV.
“All‐In‐One” integrated ultrathin SnS2@3D multichannel carbon matrix power high‐areal–capacity lithium battery anode
Authors: Xu Hongyi , Peng Chengxin , Yan Yuhua , Dong Fei , Sun Hao , Yang Junhe , Zheng Shiyou
Published: November 2019

Construction of a thickness‐independent electrode with high active material mass loading is crucial for the development of high energy rechargeable lithium battery. Herein, we fabricate an all‐in‐one integrated SnS2@3D multichannel carbon matrix (SnS2@3DMCM) electrode with in‐situ growth of ultrathin SnS2 nanosheets inside the inner walls of three dimensional (3D) multichannels. The interconnected conductive carbon matrix derived from natural wood acts as an integrated porous current collector to avail the electrons transport and accommodate massive SnS2 nanosheets, while plenty of 3D aligned multichannels facilitate fast ions transport with electrode thickness‐independent even under high mass loading. As expected, the integrated SnS2@3DMCM electrode exhibits remarkable electrochemical lithium storage performance, such as exceptional high‐areal‐capacity of 6.4 mAh cm−2, high rate capability of 3 mAh cm−2 under current of 6.8 mA cm−2 (10 C), and stable cycling performance of 6.8 mA cm−2 with a high mass loading of 7 mg cm−2. The 3D integrated porous electrode constructing conveniently with the natural source paves new avenues towards future high‐performance lithium batteries.
Ionic Diffusion, Nanoparticle Formation and Trapping Within Sol‐Gel Made Pillared Planar Nanochannels in a Simple Microfluidic Device
Authors: Ceratti Davide R. , Faustini Marco , Grosso David
Published: November 2019

Efforts to obtain widespread applications in the field of nanofluidics are increasing in intensity in recent years. However, high cost production of nanofluidic devices through the commonly used nanofabrication technologies and the incomplete understanding of solute confinement is still delaying the development of reliable, reproducible and affordable nanofluidic tools. The concentration of species and their diffusion dynamics are strongly influenced by the nanostructure architecture and surface chemistry. Testing a large number of known geometries and surface characteristics has not been possible due to limitations in fabrication procedures. Here, we try to overcome these fabrication difficulties by making the production of large scale nanofluidic devices more viable. We use an alternative bottom‐up method based on supramolecular self‐assembly and sol‐gel chemistry to produce and integrate controlled ceramic nanoporous Pillar Planar Nanochannels (PPN) within microfluidic devices. The system provides a way to easily analyze the diffusion and reaction of species in the aforementioned nanochannels. We show how to extract the nano‐confined concentration and diffusion speed without requiring any expensive analysis instrument. Subsequently, large data sets can be obtained due to the affordability of the presented nanostructure and the ease of its analysis. Moreover, since PPNs have a periodical and regular geometry the obtained data can be compared with simulations, allowing for a better description of the nanoconfined behavior of species.
Conservation implications of sea turtle nesting trends: elusive recovery of a globally important loggerhead population
Authors: Ceriani S. A. , Casale P. , Brost M. , Leone E. H. , Witherington B. E.
Published: November 2019

Understanding population status and trends is important for developing and evaluating management and conservation actions for threatened species. Monitoring population status of marine organisms is especially challenging. Because sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs and nests are easily counted, these counts are commonly used as an index of abundance and population trends. Nest counts do not provide a direct index of adult female population abundance because females typically lay more than one nest per year and most do not reproduce every year. This study attempts for the first time to investigate the likelihood that observed fluctuations of nest counts represent inter‐annual changes of the adult female population by accounting for uncertainty in reproductive rate parameters. We analyzed 30 yr of reproductive data from the largest nesting loggerhead sea turtle population worldwide, breeding in Florida (USA), and for the three Recovery Units and seven Management Units therein. Nest counts followed a general non‐monotonic trend with wide fluctuations that corresponded to decreasing and increasing trends during short intervals. When we accounted for uncertainty in both clutch frequency and remigration interval, there was no evidence for an increasing or a declining trend in the breeding female population across the entire period. Despite extensive conservation efforts and protections for loggerheads in Florida and the wider USA, we did not find evidence of a strong population recovery. We recommend maintaining a high level of protection, addressing persistent anthropogenic threats, continued collection of rigorous nest‐count data, and monitoring reproductive parameters to better link nest counts to adult female population abundance. Our results demonstrate the need for caution in using nest counts as a direct proxy for adult female population status, as it may lead to unsupported conclusions potentially detrimental to conservation. Therefore, we recommend to always translating nest trends to at least adult female trends, including uncertainty in reproductive parameters. Our approach can be exported to other populations, even where reproductive parameters are not available. Applying high parameter uncertainty obtained from other populations can help identifying unequivocal population changes; that is, nest trends unlikely justified by uncertainty and poor knowledge of reproductive parameters.
A lightweight and compromise‐resilient authentication scheme for IoTs
Authors: Aziz Muhammad Faisal , Khan Abdul Nasir , Shuja Junaid , Khan Iftikhar Ahmed , Khan Fiaz Gul , Khan Atta ur Rehman
Published: November 2019

Internet of Things (IoTs) connects billions of devices through the Internet having billion of data points. The security and privacy of those data points are very important and considered as a major concern. Due to the resource constraints nature of IoTs, the security solutions for IoTs must be secure and lightweight in terms of processing and storage. However, many existing security solutions specifically in the field of authentication are not suitable for IoTs due to the computation involved. Alternatively, the lightweight existing solutions are vulnerable to various attack(s). In this paper, a lightweight and compromise‐resilient authentication (LCA) scheme for IoT is proposed. The proposed LCA scheme is lightweight because it uses lightweight hash and XOR operations. The security analysis manifests that the proposed scheme is compromise resilient against numerous security attacks. The proposed LCA scheme is compared with existing authentication schemes based on execution time, security, and computation cost. The outcomes show that the proposed LCA scheme is more secure and robust as compared to the existing authentication schemes proposed for IoTs.
Chromosomal microarray analysis for pregnancies with or without ultrasound abnormalities in women of advanced maternal age
Authors: Wu Xiaoqing , An Gang , Xie Xiaorui , Su Linjuan , Cai Meiying , Chen Xuemei , Li Ying , Lin Na , He Deqin , Wang Meiying , Huang Hailong , Xu Liangpu
Published: November 2019

Background

Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) has been suggested to be routinely conducted for fetuses with ultrasound abnormalities (UA), especially with ultrasound structural anomalies (USA). Whether to routinely offer CMA to women of advanced maternal age (AMA) without UA when undergoing invasive prenatal testing is inconclusive.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of CMA in detecting clinically significant chromosomal abnormalities in fetuses, with or without UA, of women with AMA.

Methods

Data from singleton pregnancies referred for prenatal CMA due to AMA, with or without UA were obtained. The enrolled cases were divided into AMA group (group A) and AMA accompanied by UA group (group B). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array technology and conventional karyotyping were performed simultaneously.

Results

A total of 703 cases were enrolled and divided into group A (N = 437) and group B (N = 266). Clinically significant abnormalities were detected by CMA in 52 cases (7.4%, 52/703; the value in group A was significantly lower than that in group B (3.9% vs 13.2%, P < .05); no statistic difference was observed with respect to submicroscopic variants of clinical significance between the two groups (0.9% vs 2.6%, P > .05).

Conclusions

Chromosomal microarray analysis should be available to all women with AMA undergoing invasive prenatal testing, regardless of ultrasound findings.
Harnessing the power of medical malpractice data to improve patient care
Authors: Siegal Dana , Swift John , Forget Janell , Slowick Tim
Published: November 2019

Intelligence gleaned from medical malpractice cases helps health care institutions analyze their litigation practices, trend financial outcomes, and even identify clinical services needing attention. But when examined more deeply, medical malpractice data can also be a powerful patient safety tool by revealing clinical patterns that contribute to medical errors and by enabling leadership to more accurately plan investments in patient safety and risk management. This case study describes how one organization, UMass Memorial Health Care in Worcester, Massachusetts, harnesses its deeply coded medical malpractice data and benchmarks its performance against national peers to catalyze clinical improvements. This strategy has proven successful in yielding positive change in such areas as emergency department ultrasound coverage, obstetrics communication, and airway management training. UMass Memorial's ability to embed claims data use into its culture and to share learning across clinical services offers lessons for health care organizations of any size.
Prevalence, incidence, and characteristics of dysphagia in those with unilateral vocal fold paralysis
Authors: Schiedermayer Benjamin , Kendall Katherine A. , Stevens Maya , Ou Zhining , Presson Angela P. , Barkmeier‐Kraemer Julie M.
Published: November 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of dysphagia definition on the incidence and overall prevalence of dysphagia in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVP) stratified by etiology.

Study Design

Retrospective medical chart review.

Methods

Data was collected from the records of individuals diagnosed with UVP from 2013 to 2018, including patient demographics, dysphagia questionnaire total scores, clinical evaluation dysphagia symptoms, and instrumental swallow assessment outcomes. The annual incidence and overall prevalence of dysphagia were calculated by etiology as counts and percentages across five operational definitions of dysphagia.

Results

A total of 415 individuals met inclusion criteria for the study. Annual prevalence estimates ranged from 19% to 55%, depending on the definition of dysphagia used. The highest prevalence of dysphagia occurred when defined by symptoms or signs identified by the clinician (55%). The lowest prevalence of dysphagia occurred using a definition of abnormal swallowing function documented during instrumental assessment (19%). Dysphagia questionnaire scores were more frequently abnormal in those with iatrogenic than idiopathic etiology of UVP (adjusted P = 0.014). Rate of instrumental assessment and documentation of aspiration was highest for central UVP etiology (33%). On average, pneumonia was rare (6%) irrespective of UVP etiology.

Conclusion

Up to 55% of patients diagnosed with UVP complained of dysphagia, but only 21% had dysphagia symptoms severe enough to prompt instrumental assessment. Incidence and severity of dysphagia varied depending on UVP etiologic category as well as dysphagia definition. The etiology of UVP may impact dysphagia risk and severity in this population and warrants further investigation.

Level of Evidence

IV Laryngoscope, 130:2397–2404, 2020
Extraction, characterization, physicochemical and rheological properties of two different varieties of chickpea starch
Authors: Ghoshal Gargi , Kaushal Kartik
Published: November 2019

The variations in physiochemical, rheological, morphological, and thermal properties of extracted starches of two chickpea varieties (PDG‐5 and BG‐1076) were evaluated. Both the varieties resulted in starch yields 28.2–31.2 g/100 g. Amylose content was 30.2–31.2%. Morphological study by scanning electron microscopy of starches of both the varieties of chickpea revealed the presence of oval, spherical shaped granules with smooth surfaced, with mean granular length of 2 to 30 μm and width of 3 to 10 μm. Rheological properties of extracted starches at selected concentration (1–5%) were evaluated in flow viscometry and dynamic oscillatory mode to assess flow properties in terms of shear stress, shear rate, apparent viscosity, elastic, and viscous modulus. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the presence of polysaccharides bands. X‐ray diffraction patterns showed that extracted starches are mixture of both A‐ and B‐type crystal. Thermal and pasting properties of chickpea starches were determined using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and rapid visco analyzer, respectively. Onset (T0), peak (Tp), end (Tc) temperature, enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔH), peak height index, and gelatinization temperature range were measured by DSC. DSC thermograms revealed that T0, Tp, and Tc values of chickpeas were ranged from 65.6°C to 66.5°C, 69.6°C to 71.1°C, and 75.6°C to 76.2°C, respectively, whereas the corresponding enthalpy values varied between 14.8 and 15.6 J/g. The viscosity values at the peak, hold, final, breakdown, and setback viscosity for PDG‐5 variety were 2,562, 2,200, 3,646, 852, and 1,456 cP, respectively, and the corresponding values for BG 1076 were 4,848, 3,416, 6,384, 1,452, and 2,978 cP. It was observed that starches from BG‐1076 variety with low swelling power had higher solubility and pasting temperature.
Dual‐Mode Antibacterial Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles for Photothermal and Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Zhang Hongjuan , Liang Yuchao , Zhao Hao , Qi Ruilian , Chen Zhuo , Yuan Huanxiang , Liang Haiyan , Wang Lei
Published: November 2019

In this work, dual‐mode antibacterial conjugated polymer nanoparticles (DMCPNs) combined with photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) are designed and explored for efficient killing of ampicillin‐resistant Escherichia coli (Ampr E. coli). The DMCPNs are self‐assembled into nanoparticles with a size of 50.4 ± 0.6 nm by co‐precipitation method using the photothermal agent poly(diketopyrrolopyrrole‐thienothiophene) (PDPPTT) and the photosensitizer poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐((2‐ethylhexyl)oxy)‐p‐phenylenevinylene] (MEH‐PPV) in the presence of poly(styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride) which makes nanoparticles disperse well in water via hydrophobic interactions. Thus, DMCPNs simultaneously possess photothermal effect and the ability of sensitizing oxygen in the surrounding to generate reactive oxygen species upon the illumination of light, which could easily damage resistant bacteria. Under combined irradiation of near‐infrared light (550 mW cm−2, 5 min) and white light (65 mW cm−2, 5 min), DMCPNs with a concentration of 9.6 × 10−4 µm could reach a 93% inhibition rate against Ampr E. coli, which is higher than the efficiency treated by PTT or PDT alone. The dual‐mode nanoparticles provide potential for treating pathogenic infections induced by resistant microorganisms in clinic.
Trophic Levels Predict the Nutritional Essentiality of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Fish—Introduction to a Special Section and a Brief Synthesis
Authors: Trushenski Jesse T , Rombenso Artur N
Published: November 2019

Defining nutritional fatty acid essentiality in fish nutrition is complex given the wide range of taxonomic (e.g., divergence among species subjected to different selective pressures), biological (e.g., trophic levels and environmental tolerances), and external (e.g., experimental conditions and differences in feed formulation and manufacturing) factors involved, all of which can influence absolute requirements. Fishes vary in their ability to meet the physiological demand for long-chain (LC) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs; i.e., 20:4[n-6], 20:5[n-3], and 22:6[n-3]) via elongation and desaturation of C18 PUFA (i.e., 18:2[n-6] and 18:3[n-3]) precursors. Previous attempts to generalize dietary fatty acid requirements have been focused on thermal and salinity preferences, suggesting—in many cases inaccurately—that coldwater and/or marine fish exhibit dietary requirements for LC-PUFAs but warmwater and/or freshwater species do not. Here, we provide a review of the current literature on the subject of dietary fatty acid essentiality in fish and introduce the experiments that form the basis of this special section. In these experiments, we tested the nutritional essentiality of C18 PUFAs versus LC-PUFAs in feeds for five finfish relevant to intensive aquaculture: Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus, Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus, Florida Pompano Trachinotus carolinus, and hybrid Striped Bass (White Bass Morone chrysops × Striped Bass M. saxatilis), hypothesizing that the nutritional essentiality of C18 PUFAs versus LC-PUFAs would be determined by trophic level. The findings collectively suggest that trophic level is the most reliable predictor of C18 PUFA versus LC-PUFA nutritional essentiality in fish.