bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geodesic orbit Finsler spaces with K ≥ 0 and the (FP) condition
Authors: Xu Ming
Published: June 2021

We study the interaction between the g.o. property and certain flag curvature conditions. A Finsler manifold is called g.o. if each constant speed geodesic is the orbit of a one-parameter subgroup. Besides the non-negatively curved condition, we also consider the condition (FP) for the flag curvature, i.e. in any flag we find a flag pole such that the flag curvature is positive. By our main theorem, if a g.o. Finsler space (M, F) has non-negative flag curvature and satisfies (FP), then M is compact. If M = G/H where G has a compact Lie algebra, then the rank inequality rk 𝔤 ≤ rk 𝔥+1 holds. As an application,we prove that any even-dimensional g.o. Finsler space which has non-negative flag curvature and satisfies (FP) is a smooth coset space admitting a positively curved homogeneous Riemannian or Finsler metric.
Der kosmologische Gottesbeweis des Ralph von Battle. Rekonstruktion, Kritik und Einordnung
Authors: Goebel Bernd , Tapp Christian
Published: June 2021

This paper reconstructs (in natural language) and discusses a proof of God’s existence by Anselm of Canterbury’s friend Ralph of Battle (1040–1124), developed in his recently edited De nesciente, a fictitious dialogue between a Christian and an atheist. Without precedent in antiquity and the Middle Ages, Ralph’s proof has never been examined in detail. It combines a “cogito” argument with a two-part cosmological argument. The paper first presents the textual basis and an exegetical interpretation of Ralph’s reasoning, classifies the parts of the proof historically and systematically, and then compares these with the proofs of God’s existence as well as other arguments in Anselm’s Proslogion and Monologion. Finally, it points out some similarities between Ralph’s “cogito” argument and a passage in the Liber pro insipiente, which may suggest that this anonymous critique of Anselm’s Proslogion proof was authored not by Gaunilo, as traditionally thought, but by Ralph.
Socrates, the ‘What is F-ness?’ Question, and the Priority of Definition
Authors: Clark Justin
Published: June 2021

In the so-called ‘dialogues of definition,’ Socrates appears to endorse the ‘priority of definition.’ This principle states that an agent cannot know anything about F-ness (its instances, examples, properties, etc.) without knowing what F-ness is (the definition of F-ness). Not only is this principle implausible, it is also difficult to square with Socrates’ method. In employing his method, Socrates appeals to truths about the instances and properties of F-ness, even while pursuing definitional knowledge; meanwhile, he holds that one cannot know those truths without already knowing the definition. Thus, there is a tension between Socrates’ principle and his method. Commentators have tried to resolve this problem in various ways, though typically without a careful examination of his ‘What is F-ness?’ question. I argue that Socrates employs the ‘What is F-ness?’ question as a way of introducing two distinct types of investigation into F-ness (conceptual and causal). With this established, the relationship between Socrates’ principle and his method comes to light, and the tension is resolved.
Should clinical laboratories adapt to the reality of chronic kidney disease in the determination of parathyroid hormone?
Authors: González-Casaus María Luisa , Fernández-Calle Pilar , Buño Soto Antonio
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The contribution of the clinical laboratory to diagnostics is increasingly important since a great deal of clinical decisions rely on laboratory test results.

Content

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) measurement presents a considerable analytical variability due to the heterogeneity of its circulating forms and the antigenic configuration of the different assays commercially available. Such variability may have an impact on pathological conditions associated with significant increases in circulating PTH, as it is the case of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Despite the recent identification of new molecules involved in bone and mineral disorders associated with CKD, such as klotho or the fibroblastic factor 23 (FGF23), nephrologists still base their clinical decisions on PTH concentrations. The problem is that unawareness of these analytical considerations may cause errors in the clinical interpretation of test results.

Outlook

This systematic review addresses these issues from the clinical laboratory perspective and proposes new approaches related to PTH method selection and result expression. These new strategies will help laboratory medicine specialists and nephrologist better determine the status of CKD patients.
Financial Reforms and Consumption Smoothing
Authors: Boileau Martin , Zheng Tianxiao
Published: June 2021

We study how financial reforms affect the extent of consumption smoothing in a dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model of an emerging economy. Consistent with the empirical literature and reform efforts in South Korea and South Africa, we emphasize the relation between consumer credit and durable purchases, and model reforms as the relaxation of the collateral constraint on lower income households. We find that the relaxation of the collateral constraint accounts for a substantial share of the decline in consumption smoothing experienced in South Korea and South Africa.
ADHFE1 is a correlative factor of patient survival in cancer
Authors: Chen Qi , Wu Qiyan , Peng Yaojun
Published: June 2021

Alcohol dehydrogenase iron containing 1 (ADHFE1) encodes a hydroxyacid-oxoacid transhydrogenase participating in multiple biological processes. The role of ADHFE1 in cancer has not been fully uncovered. Herein, we performed data analysis to investigate the expression of ADHFE1 and the underlying regulatory mechanisms, its relationship with cancer patients’ survival, and the relevant pathways in cancer. A range of recognized, web-available databases and bioinformatics tools were used in this in silico study. We found that ADHFE1 was frequently downregulated and hypermethylated in various cancer cell lines and tissue samples. High expression of ADHFE1 was positively associated with favorable patient prognosis in breast, colon, and gastric cancers. Pathway analysis revealed its potential role in cancer-related biological processes, including energy metabolism, DNA replication, and cell cycle regulation. AHDFE1 mRNA expression and DNA methylation can potentially be used as diagnostic markers in cancer and might be of great value in predicting the survival of patients with cancer.
Novel severe traumatic brain injury blood outcome biomarkers identified with proximity extension assay
Authors: Fraser Douglas D. , Chen Michelle , Ren Annie , Miller Michael R. , Martin Claudio , Daley Mark , Diamandis Eleftherios P. , Prassas Ioannis
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) patients suffer high mortality. Accurate prognostic biomarkers have not been identified. In this exploratory study, we performed targeted proteomics on plasma obtained from sTBI patients to identify potential outcome biomarkers.

Methods

Blood sample was collected from patients admitted to the ICU suffering a sTBI, using standardized clinical and computerized tomography (CT) imaging criteria. Age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects and sTBI patients were enrolled. Targeted proteomics was performed on plasma with proximity extension assays (1,161 proteins).

Results

Cohorts were well-balanced for age and sex. The majority of sTBI patients were injured in motor vehicle collisions and the most frequent head CT finding was subarachnoid hemorrhage. Mortality rate for sTBI patients was 40%. Feature selection identified the top performing 15 proteins for identifying sTBI patients from healthy control subjects with a classification accuracy of 100%. The sTBI proteome was dominated by markers of vascular pathology, immunity/inflammation, cell survival and macrophage/microglia activation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses demonstrated areas-under-the-curves (AUC) for identifying sTBI that ranged from 0.870-1.000 (p≤0.005). When mortality was used as outcome, ROC curve analyses identified the top 3 proteins as Willebrand factor (vWF), Wnt inhibitory factor-1 (WIF-1), and colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1). Combining vWF with either WIF-1 or CSF-1 resulted in excellent mortality prediction with AUC of 1.000 for both combinations (p=0.011).

Conclusions

Targeted proteomics with feature classification and selection distinguished sTBI patients from matched healthy control subjects. Two protein combinations were identified that accurately predicted sTBI patient mortality. Our exploratory findings require confirmation in larger sTBI patient populations.
Gefühle und der begriffliche Raum des menschlichen Lebens
Authors: Demmerling Christoph
Published: June 2021

In this paper I defend the thesis that emotions are conceptual phenomena. It is assumed that the capacity to acquire a language and thereby the capacity to possess concepts in an exacting sense fundamentally changes the human mind and, ultimately, the human being as a whole, including in relation to its physical condition. Although emotions do not presuppose language, the capacity to use and understand a language can nonetheless change their content. In recent discussions on affective intentionality, emotions are conceived primarily as modes of qualitative awareness of something. In an emotion, one is connected sufficiently to a section of the world that one can feel this relation. With regard to the question of whether emotions are conceptual phenomena, a distinction between a conceptuality thesis and a propositionality thesis is made. In essence, the considerations speak in favour of the conceptual character of emotions without viewing them as linguistically or propositionally structured phenomena. Three understandings of the view that emotions are conceptual are elucidated. The view is defended that registering the content of emotions presupposes concepts, though these emotions are not therefore made up of concepts.

Bei diesem Beitrag handelt es sich um eine nur geringfügig veränderte deutsche Fassung des ursprünglich in englischer Sprache erschienenen Textes Demmerling (2021). Dem Verlag Routledge ist für die Genehmigung eines Abdrucks in deutscher Sprache zu danken.
Platons Philosophie der Stasis
Authors: Olbrich André
Published: June 2021

In this paper the understanding of the term “stasis” in Plato’s works is investigated. This term usually characterizes internal conflicts among the Greeks and has been increasingly discussed in newer debates on political philosophy. To approach the concept of stasis, its difference from the concept of “polemos” (the Greek word for war) is discussed. The aim is to show the functions of the various differentiations of these terms, in order to draw essential lessons from Plato’s work for today’s research about violent conflicts within political orders.
Populismus als Politik der Herabsetzung
Authors: Herrmann Steffen
Published: June 2021

Populism and degradation are closely related. Not only is the insulting and slandering of political opponents part of the standard repertoire of populists, but the experience of degradation is also one of the most important sociopsychological conditions for the emergence of contemporary populism. Accordingly, the populist politics of degradation must be understood as a response to their own experiences of degradation. However, this strategy leads into an aporia because it systematically undermines the solidarity and recognition it seeks. I will therefore ask what a political solution to the challenge of populism might look like and argue that radical democratic republicanism is a remedy for populism because it allows the experience of degradation that underlies it to be both taken seriously and kept at a critical distance.
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do – What Brexit Means for UK Insolvency and Restructuring Law
Authors: McCormack Gerard
Published: June 2021

This paper asks whether the UK can maintain its insolvency and restructuring pre-eminence post Brexit i. e. after Britain’s departure from the European Union (EU). In the past 20 years or so, the UK is said to have become the insolvency and restructuring capital of Europe or in less politically correct terms, the bankruptcy brothel of Europe. In part, this is because of the European Insolvency Regulation which provides for automatic recognition of insolvency proceedings opened in a EU Member State in the other EU Member States. Such proceedings may make provision for the discharge of debts and the restructuring of financial obligations.The specific insolvency law regime is part of a more general European Private International Law framework. With Brexit, the UK has now left this framework without any negotiated replacement agreement, a so-called ‘skinny’ Brexit. The loss of the ability to deal with insolvencies and corporate restructurings through a single process, with automatic recognition across the EU, may make it more complex, lengthy and expensive to resolve cross-border cases. It gives rise to the prospect of parallel proceedings in different jurisdictions. The paper also addresses how any disadvantages associated with the ‘skinny’ Brexit may be alleviated.
Dynamic inefficiency and fiscal interventions in an economy with land and transaction costs
Authors: Hellwig Martin F.
Published: June 2021

The paper contributes to the discussion on whether real interest rates below real growth rates can be taken as evidence of dynamic inefficiency so that some fiscal intervention may be called for. A seemingly killing objection points to land, a non-produced durable asset in positive supply, as a reason why dynamic inefficiency can be ruled out. If real interest rates were expected to be below real growth rates forever, the value of land would be unbounded, which is incompatible with equilibrium. The paper shows that this objection is not robust to the presence of an arbitrarily small per-unit-of-value transaction cost. The paper also specifies fiscal interventions that provide for Pareto improvements even though they involve a resource cost. For the debate about public debt policy, the land argument is a red herring because it is incompatible with the presence of fiat money and debt denominated in units of fiat money.
Mindfulness and eudaimonic well-being: the mediating roles of rumination and emotion dysregulation
Authors: Jarukasemthawee Somboon , Pisitsungkagarn Kullaya
Published: June 2021

Mindfulness has been widely studied in Western psychology for reducing psychological distress. However, several scholars noted that in the East, where the concept originated, mindfulness may be understood differently. In Eastern cultures such as Thailand, mindfulness is not only employed to deal with suffering but also to promote well-being. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have been undertaken to evaluate the relationship between traditional mindfulness and eudaimonic well-being in Eastern contexts. In the present study, we investigated the relationships between mindfulness and eudaimonic well-being in Thai contexts. We also explored the mediating roles of rumination and emotion dysregulation on this relationship. Data were collected from 312 Thai undergraduates who completed a measure of Eudaimonic Well-Being, the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory, the Rumination–Reflection Questionnaire, and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. Results largely supported our hypotheses. Mindfulness was found to have a positive and direct association with eudaimonic well-being. Rumination and emotion dysregulation partially mediated this association. Additionally, both rumination and emotion dysregulation had negative and direct association with eudaimonic well-being. The findings highlight the positive influences of mindfulness on well-being. The benefits of mindfulness for improvement of eudaimonic well-being through reducing rumination and emotion dysfunction are discussed.
Process intensification for enzyme assisted turmeric starch hydrolysis in hydrotropic and supercritical conditions
Authors: Labrath Yogita P. , Belge Prafulla V. , Kulkarni Uma G. , Gaikar Vilas G.
Published: June 2021

The turmeric rhizome (Curcuma longa) contains curcuminoids embedded in the starch matrix. It is thus important to target starch hydrolysis to enhance extraction of curcuminoids. In the case of starch hydrolysis, α-amylase is more efficient when the starch is in a gelatinised form than when it is in its natural form. The present work includes hydrolysis of turmeric starch in its natural and gelatinised forms using α-amylase in hydrotrope solution (HS) and scCO2. The optimum rate of starch hydrolysis was obtained using 200 IU cm−3 of α-amylase, at reaction conditions of 6.5 pH at 328 K when 10% w/w of turmeric powder was stirred at 900 rpm in HSs. The hydrolysis in 15 MPa scCO2 at room temperature required a phase modifier and 40 min of residence time (RT). The enzyme treatment of turmeric powder in HSs increased the filtration rate for curcuminoid extraction (gelatinised and native) compared to untreated turmeric powder.
Residual flux impact in controlled switching of HVDC converter transformer
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Kaur Inderpreet , Parikh Urmil
Published: June 2021

Converter transformers are an interface point of HVDC frameworks and are basic hardware from activity and reliability view point. Converter transformers are turned off intentionally under planned support and un-deliberately during fault conditions. Random energization of HVDC Converter transformer delivers high inrush currents due to core saturation asymmetries and endanger equipment health. In this paper, charging approach has been proposed. By utilizing point on wave exchanging for moderation of charging drifters during charging of 888 MVA 400/325 kV Converter Transformer of ±800 kV HVDC Sub-station. The proposed procedure has been applied on HVAC electrical Circuit Breaker furnished with Pre-Insertion Resistor considering diverse degree of residual flux. Performance of proposed philosophy has been affirmed by field tests and reproduction in PSCAD programming package and is found very viable. Near investigation is done in this paper and shows that with the use of proposed system, the switching transient during stimulation and field tests of coupled three phase converter transformers is decreased to worthy level.
Effect of EVA and DCP addition on injection moldability and tensile properties of recycled PE from disposable drip tapes
Authors: Wu Shoujun , Liang Jinlian , Feng Yingjun , Zhu Delan , Guo Bin
Published: June 2021

The effects of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) addition on injection moldability and tensile properties of recycled polyethylene (PE) from disposable drip tapes were studied. DCP showed an adverse impact on the injection moldability of recycled PE materials, while EVA had positive effects on it. Tensile properties of the reproduced PE increased with the increasing amount of EVA up to 10 wt.% and decreased beyond it. The DCP addition reduced the elastic properties of the reproduced PE, while it enhanced the tensile strength. Overall, the co-addition of 6 wt.% EVA + 0.4 wt.% DCP could improve the tensile strength of the reproduced PE materials.
Increased nitric oxide availability worsens the cardiac performance during early re-perfusion period in adult rats
Authors: Diab Faten M.A. , Ayobe Mahmoud H. , Abdel-Salam Mohamed F. , Otman Mohammed F.S. , Abdel-Hady Enas A.
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Re-perfusion is the standard therapy for acute myocardial infarction, despite the associated pathologies that may contribute to irreversible myocardial injury. The present study aims to clarify the alterations in cardiac activities in response to experimental cardiac ischemic arrest followed by re-perfusion in isolated hearts perfused with nitric oxide (NO) donor, l-arginine, or NO inhibitor, Nω-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l-NAME), to shed light on the possible role of NO in the re-perfusion process.

Methods

Hearts isolated from adult Wistar rats were studied on Langendorff preparation under basal conditions and during 30 min re-perfusion following 30 min of total global ischemia. Rats were randomly divided into three groups; control and l-arginine or l-NAME infused heart groups. Cardiac tissue content of malondialdhyde, catalase and nitrite was also measured.

Results

Compared to the control group, both l-arginine and l-NAME infused hearts showed increased basal chronotropy and myocardial flow rate. Following ischemia and during the whole period of re-perfusion, the three groups demonstrated significant deterioration in the inotropic activity and compromised myocardial flow rate. l-arginine infused hearts revealed depressed inotropy and chronotropy, weak systolic and diastolic functions with compromised myocardial flow at early 5 min of re-perfusion, yet with significantly higher myocardial flow rate by the end of re-perfusion.

Conclusions

Reducing NO availability by l-NAME revealed mild impact on the ischemia re-perfusion induced contractile dysfunction, whereas excess NO worsens cardiac performance at the early re-perfusion period.
Zur multimodalen Analyse historischer Texte und Diskurse
Authors: Klug Nina-Maria
Published: June 2021

Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden einige Prämissen und Fragestellungen einer multimodalen Text- und Diskurssemantik umrissen, die sich nicht auf die Analyse sprachlicher Zeichen beschränkt. Dabei wird auf Gemeinsamkeiten, aber auch Unterschiede zu anderen text- und diskurssemantischen Ansätzen hingewiesen, die Notwendigkeit einer multimodalen Analyse von Formen des intra- und inter- bzw. transtextuellen semantischen Zusammenspiels von Sprache und anderen Zeichenmodalitäten in Text und Diskurs aufgezeigt und an historischen Belegen unterschiedlicher Art und verschiedenen Alters illustriert.
Die Textsorte Lebensbeschreibung als Forschungsobjekt der Textsemantik
Authors: Roth Kerstin
Published: June 2021

Zur Erschließung der Textsorte Lebensbeschreibung als Forschungsobjekt der Textsemantik wird im vorliegenden Aufsatz exemplarisch die Lebensbeschreibung der Herrnhuterin Salome Wasmer (1725–1804) in das Textsemantische Analyseraster (TexSem) von Gardt (2012) eingeordnet, mit einem Schwer­punkt auf dem kommunikativ-pragmatischen Rahmen des Textes. Die zunächst in einer privaten Schreibsituation entstehende Lebensbeschreibung wird später ein Teil des Begräbnisrituals. Das Wissen um diese Kommunikationssituation ist notwendig, um die Bedeutung des Einzeltextes zu erfassen.
Die Widerstandszeitung?!
Authors: Graumann Andrea , Wilk Nicole M.
Published: June 2021

Der Beitrag plädiert für eine diskurspragmatische Beschreibung des Enthüllens als widerstandstypischen Handlungsmusters des linken Exil-Widerstands. Mit den selbst als Enthüllungen deklarierten Praktiken kombinieren die Widerstandsakteure Verfahren der Dialogisierung, Kontrastbildung, Theatralitätsmetaphorik und Polemik. Diese Verfahren werden in den Exil-Zeitungen Der Gegen-Angriff und Neuer Vorwärts von 1933 bis 1936 in Text und Bild nachgewiesen und hinsichtlich ihrer Leistung für die übergeordnete kommunikative Aufgabe der Selbstpositionierung im Exil, der Warnung und Mobilisierung interpretiert.
Negative adjectival morphology in Latin.
Authors: Cuzzolin Pierluigi
Published: June 2021

In the present paper the evaluation of a new etymology for the worduirgō‘virgin’ serves as occasion for an overview of the morphological prefixes by means of which Latin encodes negation on adjectives and nouns. Using the theoretical framework, whose origin ultimately goes back to Aristotle, three varieties of negation will be described: contrariety, contradiction, and privation. As will be shown, all these varieties, and privation in particular, require some theoretical refinement: in some cases, instead of contrariety, some more adequate conceptualizations are preferable such as neutralization or reverse. In this paper the seven prefixes used to encode negation on adjectives and nouns –dē-,dis-,ex-,in-,nĕ-,sē-,uē- – will be described also diachronically, and for each of them their original function will be tentatively identified.
Rapid radiation of the inner Indo-European languages: an advanced approach to Indo-European lexicostatistics
Authors: Kassian Alexei S. , Zhivlov Mikhail , Starostin George , Trofimov Artem A. , Kocharov Petr A. , Kuritsyna Anna , Saenko Mikhail N.
Published: June 2021

In this article we present a new reconstruction of Indo-European phylogeny based on 13 110-item basic wordlists for protolanguages of IE subgroups (Proto-Germanic, Proto-Slavic, etc.) or ancient languages of the corresponding subgroups (Hittite, Ancient Greek, etc.). We apply reasonably formal techniques of linguistic data collection and post-processing (onomasiological reconstruction, derivational drift elimination, homoplastic optimization) that have been recently proposed or specially developed for the present study. We use sequential phylogenetic workflow and obtain a consensus tree based on several algorithms (Bayesian inference, maximum parsimony, neighbor joining; without topological constraints applied). The resulting tree topology and datings are entirely compatible with established expert views. Our main finding is the multifurcation of the Inner IE clade into four branches ca. 3357–2162 bc: (1) Greek-Armenian, (2) Albanian, (3) Italic-Germanic-Celtic, (4) Balto-Slavic–Indo-Iranian. The proposed radiation scenario may be reconciled with diverse opinions on Inner IE branchings previously expressed by Indo-Europeanists.
Heritage languages and the ʻmultilingual boostʼ: intercomprehension skills of Russian and Polish heritage speakers in Germany
Authors: Brehmer Bernhard , Steinbach Dominika , Arifulin Vladimir
Published: June 2021

The article focuses on whether and to which extent heritage bilinguals make use of their heritage language while developing receptive skills in unknown languages which are either related to the majority language or the heritage language. Thirty four adolescent heritage speakers of Russian and Polish and a control group of thirty three German monolinguals were first exposed to a text in Swedish. The monolingual control group was matched with regard to age, educational background, foreign languages learned at school as well as proficiency in English. All participants had to determine the parts of speech of ten items from the text, translate them into German, and extract the main pieces of information from the text. In a second step, the heritage speakers completed a similar task with an unknown Slavic target language (Serbian). The results revealed no bilingual advantage of the heritage speakers over the monolinguals in the Swedish task. Furthermore, they scored lower in the Serbian trial. We treat this as evidence that access to the heritage language as a resource for solving these tasks is limited compared to the majority language and English which might be due to lesser metalinguistic knowledge about structures of the heritage language.
Quality control of digital representations of manuscript texts: proposal of a standards-based method
Authors: Arillo Jesús Robledano
Published: June 2021

This study aims to propose a quality control method for digitized versions of manuscript documents that will be relevant for paleographical and codicological analysis. The methodology applied consisted of a systematic review of papers related to automated analysis of the physical characteristics of handwritings and document supports in the field of digital paleography, as well as of the numerous standards that have been emerging in the field of image engineering for quality assessment in digital image recordings. We also worked with a sample of 275 digital representations of pages or double pages of manuscript documentation dating to between the 12th and 17th centuries. As a result of this study, we propose a taxonomy of physical attributes of the handwritings and of their documentary supports that must be represented in the digital image with a high level of fidelity and without any distortions that could lead scholars to erroneous interpretations of the physical and formal characteristics of the original documents. On the basis of this taxonomy, we identified a set of typical distortions caused by digitization processes that can affect the recording quality of the physical attributes previously proposed, as well as a set of parameters and metrics for measuring quality that can be used to create a sufficiently exhaustive quality model. We also detected a series of limitations which, if not properly managed, can compromise the effectiveness of these types of controls.
Rational design of nanocatalysts for ambient ammonia electrosynthesis
Authors: Wu Limin , Guo Weiwei , Sun Xiaofu , Han Buxing
Published: June 2021

Ammonia (NH3) is one of the key commercial chemicals and carbon-free energy carriers. It is mainly made by Haber-Bosch process under high temperature and high pressure, which consumes huge amount of energy and releases large amounts of CO2. Developing sustainable approaches to its production is of great importance. Powered by a renewable electricity source, electrochemical N2 reduction reaction (NRR) and nitrate reduction reaction (NITRR) are potential routes to synthesize NH3 under ambient conditions. This review summarizes major recent advances in the NRR and NITRR, especially for several years. Some fundamentals for NRR and NITRR are first introduced. Afterward, the design strategies of nanocatalysts are discussed, mainly focusing on nano-structure construction/nanoconfinement, doping/defects engineering and single-atom engineering. Finally, the critical challenges remaining in this research area and promising directions for future research are discussed.
Investigating the relationship between tack and degree of conversion in DGEBA-based epoxy resin cured with dicyandiamide and diuron
Authors: Kuliaei Ali , Amiri Amraei Iraj , Mousavi Seyed Rasoul
Published: June 2021

The purpose behind this research was to determine the optimum formulation and investigate the cure kinetics of a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA)-based epoxy resin cured by dicyandiamide and diuron for use in prepregs. First, all formulations were examined by the tensile test, and then, the specimens with higher mechanical properties were further investigated by viscometry and tack tests. The cure kinetics of the best formulation (based on tack test) in nonisothermal mode was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry at different heating rates. Kissinger and Ozawa method was used for determining the kinetic parameters of the curing process. The activation energy obtained by this method was 71.43 kJ/mol. The heating rate had no significant effect on the reaction order and the total reaction order was approximately constant (

m
+
n
≅
2.1

$m+n\cong 2.1$

). By comparing the experimental data and the theoretical data obtained by Kissinger and Ozawa method, a good agreement was seen between them. By increasing the degree of conversion, the viscosity decreased; as the degree of conversion increased, so did the slope of viscosity. The results of the tack test also indicated that the highest tack could be obtained with 25% progress of curing.
Magnetic measurement methods to probe nanoparticle–matrix interactions
Authors: Liebl Maik , Eberbeck Dietmar , Coene Annelies , Leliaert Jonathan , Jauch Philine , Kruteva Margarita , Fruhner Lisa , Barnsley Lester , Mayr Stefan G. , Wiekhorst Frank
Published: June 2021

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are key elements in several biomedical applications, e.g., in cancer therapy. Here, the MNPs are remotely manipulated by magnetic fields from outside the body to deliver drugs or generate heat in tumor tissue. The efficiency and success of these approaches strongly depend on the spatial distribution and quantity of MNPs inside a body and interactions of the particles with the biological matrix. These include dynamic processes of the MNPs in the organism such as binding kinetics, cellular uptake, passage through cell barriers, heat induction and flow. While magnetic measurement methods have been applied so far to resolve the location and quantity of MNPs for therapy monitoring, these methods can be advanced to additionally access these particle–matrix interactions. By this, the MNPs can further be utilized as probes for the physical properties of their molecular environment. In this review, we first investigate the impact of nanoparticle–matrix interactions on magnetic measurements in selected experiments. With these results, we then advanced the imaging modalities magnetorelaxometry imaging and magnetic microsphere tracking to spatially resolve particle–matrix interactions.
Design of locally sourced activated charcoal filter from maize cob for wastewater decontamination: an approach to fight waste with waste
Authors: Ajala Lawrence Olusegun , Ali Ewa Ezeali , Nnachi Emmanuel Okewe , Onwukeme Valentine Ifenna
Published: June 2021

This research studied decontamination of laboratory wastewater with an activated carbon derived from maize cob, an agricultural waste to ascertaining its adsorption effectiveness for water treatment. The preparation conditions such as the concentration of the activating agent, impregnation ratio, impregnation temperature, impregnation time, activation temperature and activation time were optimized. The adsorbent’s porous properties revealed its adsorption potency was correlated with the iodine value. The test adsorbent showed significant contaminants adsorption in the laboratory wastewater; the results obtained were within the standards for drinking water set by the regulatory agencies. This agricultural waste could be considered for the preparation of activated carbon which would ultimately serve as an alternative method of decontaminating laboratory wastewater.
Polymers, plastics, & more – educating post-secondary students from different disciplines with polymer science
Authors: Lowe Jimmy , Canal John P.
Published: June 2021

Polymers are excellent materials that provide concrete examples of concepts and learning objectives covered in different post-secondary level courses. Modules focused on polymer science can be used for teaching general, organic, material and green chemistry. These modules can be tailored to build on the students' prerequisite knowledge. Science 300 is a course offered at Simon Fraser University (SFU) to non-science, post-secondary students focused on the impact of science in society. Prosthetics and Orthotics (PROR) is a diploma program offered at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Both programs have incorporated polymer science as part of the curriculum. Design of the modules illustrates polymers as an important class of materials that possess both beneficial and environmental unfriendly properties. A variety of learning strategies are incorporated within the courses to aid students with understanding polymer science.
Synthesis of biologically active heterocyclic compounds from allenic and acetylenic nitriles and related compounds
Authors: Fotsing Marthe Carine Djuidje , Njamen Dieudonné , Tanee Fomum Zacharias , Ndinteh Derek Tantoh
Published: June 2021

Cyclic and polycyclic compounds containing moieties such as imidazole, pyrazole, isoxazole, thiazoline, oxazine, indole, benzothiazole and benzoxazole benzimidazole are prized molecules because of the various pharmaceutical properties that they display. This led Prof. Landor and co-workers to engage in the synthesis of several of them such as alkylimidazolenes, oxazolines, thiazolines, pyrimidopyrimidines, pyridylpyrazoles, benzoxazines, quinolines, pyrimidobenzimidazoles and pyrimidobenzothiazolones. This review covers the synthesis of biologically active heterocyclic compounds by the Michael addition and the double Michael addition of various amines and diamines on allenic nitriles, acetylenic nitriles, hydroxyacetylenic nitriles, acetylenic acids and acetylenic aldehydes. The heterocycles were obtained in one step reaction and in most cases, did not give side products. A brief discussion on the biological activities of some heterocycles is also provided.
Medicine in philately: History of Quarantine
Authors: Bingöl Buğra Berkan , Ataman Ahmet Doğan , Pekesen Mehtap , Vatanoğlu-Lutz Elif
Published: June 2021

Objectives

This article provides an overview through philately on the history of the quarantine ap-plications which dominate the whole world nowadays because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Content

In this review article, the History of Quarantine is enriched with philatelic examples and tried to explain.

Quarantine is defined as the isolation of animals, people, or land to prevent the spread of diseases or pests. It is different from medical isolation, which is for people who have been infected with the disease. The word “quarantine” comes from quarantine, Italian language meaning “40 days”. This is because of the 40-day isolation of ships and people practiced as a measure of disease prevention related to the plague. This practice was named “Quaranta” in the Republic of Venice, whose economy is based on trade, by keeping the ships coming to the city in the sea for 40 days off the city, so that the capital Venice will not be infected with epidemics.

Outlook

People’s efforts to take precautions against a possible pandemic risk are a practice that has been going on for ages. Quarantine, which is among the measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, includes measures taken by avoiding contact with humans and animals in suspected cases exposed to infectious diseases for a period equal to the longest incubation period of the disease.
Synthesis and structure of the λ
6Si-silicate [Cs(18-crown-6)]2[Si(OSO2CH3)6]
Authors: Georg Isabelle , Bolte Michael , Wagner Matthias , Lerner Hans-Wolfram
Published: June 2021

The λ
6Si-silicate [Cs(18-crown-6)]2[Si(OSO2CH3)6] (1) was synthesized by treatment of Si2Cl6 with Cs[OSO2CH3] in the presence of 18-crown-6. Compound 1 is the first example of a λ
6Si-silicate with a methanesulfonate ligand. It was characterized by NMR spectroscopy and by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The solid-state structure of 1 consists of discrete [Si(OSO2CH3)6]2– anions and two [Cs(18-crown-6)]+ cations (triclinic space group,

P

1
¯

$P\overline{1}$

, Z = 1).
Jezuitské misie z Telče na sever Čech ve druhé polovině 17. století
Authors: Ramešová Michaela , Valecký Štěpán
Published: June 2021

The text deals with Jesuit missions to the north of Bohemia in the second half of the 17 th century with an emphasis on the missionary activities of the house of the third probation i n Telč. With regard to the process of re-Catholicization in the second half of the 17th century, Frýdlant (Friedland) and Liberec (Reichenberg) represented a specific region, as is evident from Jesuit sources about missions to the local region. Missions from Telč to northern Bohemia, which took place regularly in the second half of the 17th century, played a significant role in the process of re-Catholicization of the area. The Jesuits of Telč often headed to localities near the borders or in mountaino us areas, where non-Catholic religions persisted. It is probable some of the transitions to Catholicism were only of formal nature. Unlike in the past, however, the missionaries focused exclusively on non-repressive ways of converting to the faith to prevent further emigration. Their focus was on helping with the parish administration, confessions, and promoting Catholic customs. Missionary work also included acts of charity and caring for one’s neighbor.
Sobre los inicios de una trayectoria literaria: el caso de César Aira en publicaciones periódicas
Authors: Riveiro María Belén
Published: June 2021

Desde una mirada sociológica, este artículo estudia la literatura para construirla como una práctica social. Tomo el caso de César Aira para reconstruir los comienzos de su carrera, cuando se enfrenta a diversos obstáculos. Me pregunto por las condiciones que posibilitaron la emergencia de su figura, porque este caso me permite formular interrogantes por las posibilidades que habilitan prácticas disruptivas. Uno de los modos de aprehender este proceso es mediante el estudio de las publicaciones periódicas, en las que encuentro que Aira colabora con artículos y reseñas desde 1981, cuando circula su primer libro: Ema, la cautiva. Analizo los artículos que aparecen en publicaciones periódicas y las características de las revistas y suplementos donde aparecen, las zonas del campo y el circuito de los que participan, puesto que son mediaciones que forman parte del hecho literario. El trabajo documental permite proponer que es durante el periodo de apertura política y cultural que acompaña a la transición democrática argentina de 1983 cuando Aira encuentra, en zonas marginales del campo literario, los espacios que habilitan una posición como la suya, que, recién años después, recibirá la atención de numerosos actores del campo y experimentará una creciente consagración.
Energy-saving heat technologies for obtaining soy based plant powders
Authors:   Institute of Engineering Thermophysics NAS of Ukraine, Petrova Zh.O. , Sniezhkin Yu.F. ,   Institute of Engineering Thermophysics NAS of Ukraine, Slobodianiuk K.S. ,   Institute of Engineering Thermophysics NAS of Ukraine
Published: June 2021

The monograph is devoted to solving the problem of energy-saving and development of resource-saving heat technology for processing soybeans and their mixtures with carotene-containing raw materials on functional phytoestrogenic food powders. The paper considers modern research and methods of processing phytoestrogenic raw materials. The study of heat and mass transfer processes during convective drying and the study of thermophysical and physicochemical properties of phytoestrogenic raw materials and its proteincarotene mixtures are presented. Innovative heat technology for the production of phytoestrogenic powders based on soybeans, recommended for use in the pharmaceutical, dairy and food industries, has been developed. The monograph is intended for employees of the food industry, students of higher educational institutions, masters and graduate students of engineering and technical specialties.
Simulation Algorithm of Microprismatic Lenses for Transformation of Light Beams
Authors:   Institute of Information Registration Problems of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Petrov V.V. , Antonov E.E. ,   Institute of Information Registration Problems of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Shanoilo S.M. ,   Institute of Information Registration Problems of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Published: June 2021

Традиційна фокусуюча лінза Френеля концентрує інтенсивність світла в центр сформо­ваного зображення. Однак іноді необхідно перетворювати паралельний потік променів у світлове коло. Такі трансформуючі плоскі лінзи Френеля часто використовуються в сис­темах обробки сигналів. Наведено алгоритм моделювання мікропризматичних структур Френеля, які формують у фокальній площині рівномірно освітлене коло. Цей алгоритм подібний до алгоритму моделювання, розробленого для створення фокусуючих мікро­призматичних елементів з плоскими кільцевими фокусуючими гранями. Запропоновані структури з дискретною зміною кутів заломлення для трансформації світлових потоків можна легко виготовити методом алмазного різання, який дозволяє отримувати плоскі конусні робочі поверхні високої оптичної якості. Розмір призматичних заломлюючих зон не повинен бути занадто великим для зменшення дискретності сформованих зобра­жень. Тому передбачається створення зон заломлення з декількох однакових малих мікро­призм. Запропоновано модифікований алгоритм моделювання параметрів трансфор­муючої лінзи, який враховує процеси концентрації світла лінзою та звуження світлових по­токів мікропризмами.
The Method of the Estimating Wind Power Plant’s Installed Capacity Utilization Factor
Authors:   G.E. Pukhov Institute for Modelling in Energy Engineering     National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Podhurenko V.S. , Getmanets O.M. ,   National Aviation University of Ukraine, Terekhov V.E. ,   G.E. Pukhov Institute for Modelling in Energy Engineering     National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Published: June 2021

Знайдено аналітичну залежність коефіцієнта використання встановленої потужності вітрової електричної установки (ВЕУ) від параметрів її характеристики потужності і парамет­рів вітрового кадастру на передбачуваній місцевості розміщення вітрової електрич­ної станції при заданій висоті розташування осі її вітроколеса. На основі дослідження харак­теристик потужності 50 вітрових електричних установок різних виробників по­тужністю від 2,0 до 3,6 МВт показано, що ці характеристики добре описуються двопараметричним інтегральним розподілом Вейбула — Гніденка (ІРВГ). Отримано простий асимптотичний вираз для коефіцієнта використання встановленої потужності в залеж­ності від двох параметрів диференціального розподілу Вейбула — Гніденка для швид­кості вітру і двох параметрів ІРВГ для характеристики потужності ВЕУ. Показники, от­ри­мані за допомогою даного асимптотичного виразу, відрізняють­ся від результатів кількісних розрахунків коефіцієнта використання встановленої потуж­ності не більше, ніж на 2 %, і тому можуть бути використані для вибору або проектування певної ВЕУ на пе­ред­бачуваній місцевості на заданій висоті розташування осі вітроколеса.
Topological Method for Assessing the Sensitivity to the Detection of Cybersecurity in Electrical Networks
Authors:   G.E. Pukhov Institute for Modelling in Energy Engineering  National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Gurieiev V.O. , Lysenko Y.M. ,   G.E. Pukhov Institute for Modelling in Energy Engineering  National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Published: June 2021

Розглянуто теоретичні питання побудови топологічного методу оцінки чутливості до виявлення кібернетичних загроз в електричних мережах енергосистем за допомогою моделювання режимів роботи окремих (виділених) підсистем. Описано основні етапи побудови моделей топології енергосистем, запропоновано та реалізовано методи форму­вання інформаційних моделей об'єктів енергосистем. Досліджено методи візуалізації ре­зультатів моделювання умов виникнення кіберзагроз. Визначено способи використання запропонованого підходу до створення системи протидії кіберзагрозам в електричних мережах енергосистем і побудови сценаріїв їх ліквідації за допомогою навчального дис­танційного режимного тренажеру.
Improvement of Methods of Calculations of Flood Water Passing Through Medium-Pressure Hydro Units Taking Into Ac-Count the Characteristics of Flood Wave
Authors:   PJSC ", Panasenko A.V. ,   Ukrhydroenergo"
Published: June 2021

Створено гідродинамічну модель руху паводкових вод на ділянці р. Дністер від гідро­ло­гічного поста Заліщики до Дністровського гідровузла у програмному комплексі MIKE 11. Модель дає змогу визначити рівні у Дністровському водосховищі у будь-який момент часу у вигляді кривих вільної поверхні при пропуску паводків різної забез­печеності. Методика розрахунків пропуску паводків через Дністровський гідровузол на основі прогнозів приточності води з урахуванням характеристик паводкової хвилі та ре­жиму наповнення водосховища дає можливість зменшити максимальні витрати води під час паводкової хвилі через Дністровський гідровузол.