bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review on Impact of Anthropogenic Sulphur Dioxide Pollution on Health and Environment
Authors: Mehta Pankaj , Ngangbam Jennifer , Thakur Neelam , Kaur Navneet
Published: December 2021

The explosive global change in the emissions of Sulphur dioxide (SO2) over the decades have brought about tremendous effects in the regional as well as global scale in the composition and quality of air that we breathe. The global SO2 emission peaked in the 1970s, decreased until 2000 and has risen to peak again mainly as the result of increased globalization in developing countries. The global estimation is surprisingly low but the regional output of SO2 is high. The main hotspots being in East Asia Countries. The Sulphur aerosols not only impacts the animals’ health, but those of the ecosystems at large. SO2 contributes to global warming, ozone depletion, acid rain, smog etc. that has brought disastrous environmental conditions. WHO recommends a maximum exposure of not more than 0.5 ppm for around 24 hours’ span. SO2 reacts with other gases to form sulphate particles, constituent of particulate matters i.e. PM 2.5 concentrations, the exposure to which causes skin, respiratory, reproductive failures and cardiovascular ailments. This study, as such, is meant to bring into light the sources of SO2 and its harmful effects on health and environment at large. Air pollution is a major issue with adverse effects prevailing over the globe at present.
THE THIRD SPACE AND THE ROLE OF BUNDO KANDUANG IN RUMAH GADANG
Authors: Wiemar Rosalinda , Piliang Yasraf Amir , Wahjudi Deddy , Darmawan Ruly
Published: December 2021

Minangkabau is a tribe in West Sumatra with a matrilineal kinship system, which draws lineage based on the mother's ethnicity. Therefore, women are the main characters in the tribe. Minangkabau women who are married, wise, and elder are called Bundo Kanduang, who have duties and obligations to carry out. Given the importance of the role of Bundo Kanduang, it is necessary to know how the role of Bundo Kanduang can be carried out in the Rumah Gadang, both physically/real and non-physical/imaginary. The research method used is an ethnographic method with a qualitative analysis approach using the theory of the third space from Edward Soja. Based on the analysis, it was found that the activities of Bundo Kanduang in carrying out its role have been facilitated in the Rumah Gadang, both physically and non-physically, even beyond what is known as third space.
Information Technology Capabilities, Organizational Agility, and Competitive Advantage: A Study of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Indonesia
Authors: Ottemoesoe Ridhotama Shanti D. , Lovely Lovely , Devie Devie
Published: December 2021

This paper aims to explore the relationship between information technology (IT) capabilities and competitive advantage, with organizational agility as a mediator, in the case of micro, small, and medium enterprises engaged in the fashion industry in Indonesia. Data were collected by distributing questionnaires to 180 small to medium-sized enterprises in Indonesia’s fashion industry that have used e-commerce platforms to conduct their business activities. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS 3.0 software. The study suggests that IT capabilities significantly influence organizational agility and competitive advantage. Therefore, the study can serve as a basis for the Indonesian government to promote digitalization and the use of e-commerce among micro, small, and medium enterprise owners in order to face changes in the market and remain competitive. It can also be beneficial for business owners and managers that aim to increase awareness of the importance of technology in their business operations. The work of this paper deepens the understanding of the relationship between IT capabilities, organizational agility, and competitive advantage, which are becoming increasingly important in the current digitalized and ever-changing business environment. It enriches the literature about micro, small and medium enterprise that is related to their IT capabilities level, how they use it to handle changes and factors that contributes in obtaining competitive advantage.
Accountants’ IT Competencies and IT Responsibilities in Supporting IT Sustainability Practice: The Variations of Students’ Perspective
Authors: Kwistianus Hendri , Hatane Saarce Elsye , Wong Melissa , Victoria Eden , Gunawan Angela Irena
Published: December 2021

This study looks at the variability of accounting students’ perceptions in Indonesia on the importance of IT competence and IT responsibility for accountants and the importance of IT sustainability practices. This study measures different perceptions of accounting students based on gender (male and female), year of study (junior and senior), and the type of university (public and private). The majority of accounting students agree with the importance of accountants’ role in IT sustainability practices by utilizing information systems. However, differences in perceptions of accountants’ IT responsibility, accountants’ IT competence, and the importance of IT sustainability practice are found in the senior and junior student groups. This finding results in junior students being higher than senior students in understanding the importance of the accountants’ role in the IT sustainability practice. Differences were also found in the groups of students from public and private universities, where students in public universities have a higher perception than students in private universities toward IT sustainability issues. There is no difference in perception in the gender group. This study can be helpful for higher education providers and teachers in accounting who play an essential role in supporting students to understand the practical implementation in accounting professions regarding their role in sustainability through the utilization of information technology.
EXPRESSÕES DA VIOLÊNCIA OBSTÉTRICA NO RELATÓRIO DA CEI DAS MATERNIDADES DE PONTA GROSSA-PR (2016)
Authors: Bourguignon Ana Maria , Werner Rosiléa Clara , Simão Pontes Felipe
Published: December 2021

A Organização Mundial da Saúde e o Ministério da Saúde do Brasil recomendam ações para humanização do parto e nascimento, diretrizes que não cumpridas ocasionam violências na assistência obstétrica.  O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o relatório da Comissão Especial de Investigação (CEI) das Maternidades (2016), da Câmara Municipal de Ponta Grossa - PR, com foco na detecção das violações de direitos humanos. O artigo identifica no relatório situações e práticas na assistência obstétrica que se configuram como violações de direitos de ordem física, psicológica, sexual, institucional e material. O relatório da CEI das Maternidades expôs a necessidade de modificações nos serviços de saúde prestados à gestante e ao recém-nascido na cidade.
O DIREITO À DIGNIDADE HUMANA SOB A PERSPECTIVA DA TRANSGENERIDADE INFANTIL EM CONTEXTO ESCOLAR
Authors: Brasil Andre Antonio Martins
Published: December 2021

Neste trabalho, será apresentado um enfoque sobre a ideia de Dignidade da Pessoa Humana em suas abordagens gerais e legais. Em seguida, será tratado sobre o tema da transgeneridade infantil e suas peculiaridades conceituais, bem como seus aspectos discriminatórios e segregadores, para como terceiro passo, fazer uma análise do contexto escolar vivenciado por essas crianças, que denota uma agressão continuada com a consequente expulsão desse espaço de aprendizagem. Empregou-se pesquisa bibliográfica, utilizando-se de legislação e doutrina vasta sobre a temática, cujo objetivo geral fora realizar uma apreciação da identidade de gênero na infância, estabelecendo uma correlação desta condição com a Educação, enquanto direito humano garantidor da dignidade. Objetiva-se ainda, analisar e demonstrar como a sua ausência reflete prejudicialmente na aprendizagem ao longo da vida dessas crianças. Por fim, a pesquisa buscou evidenciar a deficiência das políticas públicas sobre o tema, a fim de se encontrar soluções garantidoras a esses direitos, através do acesso à educação e do combate à evasão escolar.
MULHERES, UMA EXPERIÊNCIA DE DORES E RETROCESSOS PANDÊMICOS: A DIFUSÃO DO CUIDADO E DA SOLIDÃO
Authors: Oliveira da Silva Ana Caroline
Published: December 2021

Este artigo reflete as condições do ser mulher na sociedade, assim como, os atravessamentos e experiências causadas por conta do cenário devastador da pandemia por COVID-19. Em que a sobrecarga do feminino, a divisão sexual do trabalho e os marcadores estruturantes sociais sobre os papéis masculinos e femininos, contribuíram nas trajetórias do cuidar dirigindo esta tarefa ao feminino. Desta maneira, com a conjuntura pandêmica a violência de sobrecarga que se inicia no lar, agora mede forças com o espaço público em que o contexto do Home Office reúne os dois espaços e funções opostas em um resultado exaustivo e adoecedor paras as mulheres, que são afetadas de maneiras distintas levando em conta os aspectos raciais e de classe. Diante disso, o artigo retrata como a esfera do lar é considerado um trabalho não remunerado, mas que, sobretudo, ampara as estruturas do patriarcado e consequentemente o capital simbólico. Com a finalidade de analisar e identificar as construções sociais e simbólicas sobre o papel do cuidado de modo descritivo e qualitativo pautado nos estigmas sociais ao gênero e sobre a solidão da pandemia do cuidado. Para isso, serão utilizados referenciais teóricos a partir de vozes feministas da contemporaneidade, dispostas em seções, com o objetivo de compreender as cargas seculares e a solidão das mulheres, especialmente negras, carregadas de “Dororidades”.
Unveiling the Role of Transition‐Metal Ions in the Thermal Degradation of Layered Ni–Co–Mn Cathodes for Lithium Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Jung Sung‐Kyun , Kim Hyungsub , Song Seok Hyun , Lee Seongsu , Kim Jongsoon , Kang Kisuk
Published: December 2021

The need for batteries with high energy density and safety has motivated the development of Ni‐rich layered cathodes with high thermal stability, requiring a revisit of the role of the transition‐metal ion in the phase transition accompanying the oxygen evolution of highly charged cathodes. Here, the role of the transition‐metal ion in LixNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (x = 0.5, 0.33) is revealed in the phase transition and O2 evolution occurring at high temperatures using combined in situ high‐temperature neutron diffraction (ND) and gas analyses. The thermal migration of each transition‐metal ion upon heating is directly visualized at different states of charge using Rietveld refinement of ND patterns as well as the maximum entropy method. The oxygen evolution observed for the highly charged state at low temperature is accompanied by M3O4‐type spinel (M = Ni, Co, and Mn) phase formation with preferential occupation of Co in the tetrahedral site. Co3+/Co2+ reduction accompanying the oxygen evolution rather can mitigate and delay the formation of the rock‐salt phase. The findings provide insight into the manipulation of the composition of Ni‐rich layered cathode for the design of cathodes with high energy density and safety.
Advanced Materials and Sensors for Microphysiological Systems: Focus on Electronic and Electrooptical Interfaces
Authors: Kavand Hanie , Nasiri Rohollah , Herland Anna
Published: December 2021

Advanced in vitro cell culture systems or microphysiological systems (MPSs), including microfluidic organ‐on‐a‐chip (OoC), are breakthrough technologies in biomedicine. These systems recapitulate features of human tissues outside of the body. They are increasingly being used to study the functionality of different organs for applications such as drug evolutions, disease modeling, and precision medicine. Currently, developers and endpoint users of these in vitro models promote how they can replace animal models or even be a better ethically neutral and humanized alternative to study pathology, physiology, and pharmacology. Although reported models show a remarkable physiological structure and function compared to the conventional 2D cell culture, they are almost exclusively based on standard passive polymers or glass with none or minimal real‐time stimuli and readout capacity. The next technology leap in reproducing in vivo‐like functionality and real‐time monitoring of tissue function could be realized with advanced functional materials and devices. This review describes the currently reported electronic and optical advanced materials for sensing and stimulation of MPS models. In addition, an overview of multi‐sensing for Body‐on‐Chip platforms is given. Finally, one gives the perspective on how advanced functional materials could be integrated into in vitro systems to precisely mimic human physiology.
Design of Self‐Floating Photothermal Conversion Devices with Solar Steam Generation Capability
Authors: Ge Bo , Han Baobao , Lv Jing , Zhao Limin , Yin Yibin , Ren Guina , Zhang Zhaozhu
Published: December 2021

Aiming to tackle water pollution from toxic and harmful substances and the lack of clean water, a multifunctional device is designed. The superhydrophobic fabric (M‐fabric) is taken as the floating layer. The contact angle of the water droplet on the surface of the M‐fabric is 160°, and the recovery of organic solvent can be realized by superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity. The oil/water separation efficiency is 97.7% and the stability of the superhydrophobic fabric is confirmed. Due to the existence of Bi2WO6, the M‐fabric can photodegrade soluble pollutants. Based on the detailed analysis of the photoresponse ability, carrier fluorescence lifetime (1.95 ns), and reaction rate constant, the reaction mechanism is proposed. Importantly, the assembled photothermal device has a high rate of solar steam generation for the initially treated sewage. It is hoped that the multi‐component synergy can provide new ideas on environmental governance and clean water production.
Approaching Rapid, High‐Resolution, Large‐Area Patterning of Semiconducting Polymers Using Projection Photothermal Lithography
Authors: Murrey Tucker L. , Mulvey Justin T. , Jha Meghna , Fergerson Alice S. , Vong Daniel , Soika Andreas , Lorek Jakob , Dolan Sarah E. , Tiffany‐Appleton Daniel R. , Moulé Adam J.
Published: December 2021

Patterned semiconductors are essential for the fabrication of nearly all electronic devices. Over the last two decades, semiconducting polymers (SPs) have received enormous attention due to their potential for creating low‐cost flexible electronic devices, while development of scalable patterning methods capable of producing sub‐μm feature sizes has lagged. A novel method for patterning SPs termed Projection Photothermal Lithography (PPL) is presented. A lab scale PPL microscope is built and it is demonstrated that rapid (≈4 cm2 h−1) and large single exposure area (≈0.69 mm2) sub‐μm patterns can be obtained optically. Polymer domains are selectively removed via a photo‐induced temperature gradient that enables dissolution. It is hypothesized that commercial‐scale patterning with a throughput of ≈5 m2 h−1 and resolution of <1 μm could be realized through optimization of optical components.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbamoyl‐Carbamoylation/ Carboxylation/Thioesterification of Alkene‐Tethered Carbamoyl Chlorides Using Mo(CO)6 as the Carbonyl Source
Authors: Chen Chen , Huang Yujie , Ding Jie , Liu Liying , Zhu Bolin
Published: December 2021

We reported a palladium‐catalyzed carbamoyl‐carbamoylation/carboxylation/thioesterification of alkene‐tethered carbamoyl chlorides using Mo(CO)6 as the carbonyl source. The reactions were typically performed with good functional group compatibility and tolerated different nucleophiles (amines, alcohols, phenols, thiols and water), which provided a new access to amidated/esterificated/thioesterificated/carboxylated oxindoles or lactams bearing an all‐carbon quaternary stereocenter under CO gas‐free conditions. Furthermore, natural product mutation and divergent late‐stage derivatization are the important practical features.

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How Materials and Device Factors Determine the Performance: A Unified Solution for Transistors with Nontrivial Gates and Transistor–Diode Hybrid Integration
Authors: Liu Chuan , Li Xiaojie , Luo Yiyang , Wang Ya , Hu Sujuan , Liu Chenning , Liang Xiaoci , Zhou Hang , Chen Jun , She Juncong , Deng Shaozhi
Published: December 2021

Advanced field‐effect transistors (FETs) with nontrivial gates (e.g., offset‐gates, mid‐gates, split‐gates, or multi‐gates) or hybrid integrations (e.g., with diodes, photodetectors, or field‐emitters) have been extensively developed in pursuit for the “More‐than‐Moore” demand. But understanding their conduction mechanisms and predicting current–voltage relations is rather difficult due to countless combinations of materials and device factors. Here, it is shown that they could be understood within the same physical picture, i.e., charge transport from gated to nongated semiconductors. One proposes an indicator based on material and device factors for characterizing the transport and derives a unified and simplified solution for describing the current–voltage relations, current saturation, channel potentials, and drift field. It is verified by simulations and experiments of different types of devices with varied materials and device factors, employing organic, oxide, nanomaterial semiconductors in transistors or hybrid integrations. The concise and unified solution provides general rules for quick understanding and designing of these complex, innovative devices.
Freestanding Graphene Fabric Film for Flexible Infrared Camouflage
Authors: Cui Guang , Peng Zhe , Chen Xiaoyan , Cheng Yi , Lu Lin , Cao Shubo , Ji Sudong , Qu Guoxin , Zhao Lu , Wang Shaokai , Wang Shida , Li Yizhen , Ci Haina , Li Maoyuan , Liu Zhongfan
Published: December 2021

Graphene films, fabricated by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, have exhibited superiorities in high crystallinity, thickness controllability, and large‐scale uniformity. However, most synthesized graphene films are substrate‐dependent, and usually fragile for practical application. Herein, a freestanding graphene film is prepared based on the CVD route. By using the etchable fabric substrate, a large‐scale papyraceous freestanding graphene fabric film (FS‐GFF) is obtained. The electrical conductivity of FS‐GFF can be modulated from 50 to 2800 Ω sq−1 by tailoring the graphene layer thickness. Moreover, the FS‐GFF can be further attached to various shaped objects by a simple rewetting manipulation with negligible changes of electric conductivity. Based on the advanced fabric structure, excellent electrical property, and high infrared emissivity, the FS‐GFF is thus assembled into a flexible device with tunable infrared emissivity, which can achieve the adaptive camouflage ability in complicated backgrounds. This work provides an infusive insight into the fabrication of large‐scale freestanding graphene fabric films, while promoting the exploration on the flexible infrared camouflage textiles.
The effect of compound biofertilizers on nitrogen metabolism and microbial diversity of soil rhizosphere in tobacco fields
Authors: Huang Ying , Li Xiquan , Wang Xiaohua , Dai Fei , Chen Xue , Ding Mengjiao , Liu Minghong
Published: December 2021

Compound biofertilizers could improve the nutrient condition of the ecosystem and the fertility of agricultural fields. At micro level, the soil microbial communities could be influenced, resulting in taxonomic and functional changes in the soil microbiome. In the present research, compound biofertilizers were applied into tobacco (Nocotiana tabacum L., Family: Solanaceae) field ecosystems of Qianxi, Weining, and Meitan city of China, and the diversity of microbial communities were determined using metagenome technique. The results revealed that nitrogen compounds of each treatment were significantly increased after 30 d. In addition, indigenous microorganisms in fertilizer were developed into the dominant bacteria, and Compound Biofertilizer III has a potential and great effect compared with others. Depending on our findings, the research‐based knowledge obtained between compound biofertilizers, and soil microbiome could provide a clue to the development of environmentally friendly and long‐acting biofertilizer application processes in the agricultural fields.
Update on perioperative management of patients undergoing surgery for liver cancer
Authors: Kaibori Masaki , Matsui Kosuke , Shimada Mitsuo , Kubo Shoji , Hasegawa Kiyoshi
Published: December 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma is often accompanied by chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis. Preoperative evaluation of liver function and postoperative nutritional management are critical in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who undergo liver surgery. Although the incidence of postoperative complications and death has declined in Japan over the last 10 years, postoperative complications have not been fully overcome. Therefore, surgical procedures and perioperative management must be improved. Accurate preoperative evaluations of liver function, nutrition, inflammation, and body skeletal muscle are required. Determination of the optimal surgical procedure should consider not only tumor characteristics but also the physical reserve of the patient. Nutritional management of chronic liver disorders, especially maintaining protein synthesis for postoperative protein/energy, is important. Prophylactic antibiotics are recommended for short‐term use within 24 hours after surgery. Abdominal drainage is recommended for patients with cirrhosis who may develop large amounts of ascites, who are at risk of postoperative bleeding, or who may have bile leakage due to a large resection area. Postoperative exercise therapy may improve insulin resistance in patients with chronic liver damage. Implementation of an early/enhanced recovery after surgery program is recommended to reduce biological invasive responses and achieve early independence of physical activity and nutrition intake. We review the latest information on the perioperative management of patients undergoing liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Elastic interface in few‐layer graphene/poly(vinylidenefluoride‐trifluoroethylene‐chlorofluoroethylene) nanocomposite with improved polarization
Authors: Ye Huijian , Jiang Huilei , Luo Zhenggang , Xu Lixin
Published: December 2021

Polymer film capacitor exhibits extensive applications in advanced electronics because of its flexibility and huge power density. The current research interests of polymer capacitor are addressed on large energy density and high charge–discharge efficiency of composite film. Here we developed the compatible elastic interface composed of hyperbranched poly(methyl acrylate) copolymer in graphene/poly(vinylidenefluoride‐trifluoroethylene‐chlorofluoroethylene) (P(VDF‐TrFE‐CFE)) nanocomposite with high energy capability. This hyperbranched copolymer comprising polyethylene core that was grafted with poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) segments and pyrene units was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization. The few‐layer graphene was exfoliated with assistance of hyperbranched copolymer that was attached on surface of flakes via π‐π non‐covalent interactions between pyrene groups and delocalized π electrons of nanosheets. Graphene/P(VDF‐TrFE‐CFE) nanocomposite film was prepared by solution casting method. The compatibility between graphene and fluoropolymer is greatly improved due to the elastic interphase of PMA segments in hyperbranched copolymer, which enhances the interfacial polarization and decreases the accumulation of charge carriers under high electric field. The energy density of 7.0 J/cm3 with charge–discharge efficiency of 60% at 300 MV/m is achieved for 0.1 wt% nanocomposite. This work reveals an effective architecture of polymer composite with elastic interface to increase the energy capability of polymer dielectric film.
Colloidal and rheological properties of natural rubber latex concentrated with hydroxyethyl cellulose and sodium dodecyl sulphate
Authors: Walteros‐León Manuela , Álvarez‐Láinez Mónica Lucía
Published: December 2021

Natural rubber latex (NRL) is a complex colloidal system composed of rubber particles surrounded by a layer of phospholipids and proteins maintaining its colloidal stability. NRL creaming is a nonrobust concentration method, and its colloidal and rheological properties can be altered due to the presence of creaming agents and surfactants. Both properties must remain stable over time after creaming to ensure conditions for subsequent manufacturing processes. These properties have been evaluated for synthetic latex, but not for NRL in which the clone variety and phenological factors make the system being always different. In this research, hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) are used to concentrate NRL and response surface methodology was selected to optimize the colloidal and rheological properties of creamed NRL. Flocculation and stabilization by depletion are involved on NRL concentration depending on HEC and SDS concentration. Those agents modify NRL zeta potential in a range of −78 and −63 mV, and viscosity increases more than 10 times the raw NRL value. SDS plays a key role on enhancement of the creaming process and in electrostatic stability because its anionic nature. Physicochemical interactions between NRL, HEC, and SDS are proposed.
Functionalized bio‐adsorbents for removal of perfluoroalkyl substances: A perspective
Authors: Li Duning , Londhe Kaushik , Chi Kai , Lee Cheng‐Shiuan , Venkatesan Arjun K. , Hsiao Benjamin S.
Published: December 2021

Poly‐ and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known as “forever chemicals” due to their ubiquitous persistence in the environment, and their negative human health effects. Among them, short‐chain PFAS are of increasing concern due to their high solubility and mobility in water, while possessing persistency and toxicity nature like their longer‐chain analogs. The most common method for PFAS removal from water is by sorption with activated carbons or ion exchange resins, but these adsorbents only exhibit limited removal efficiency against short‐chain PFAS, and they require frequent replacement leading to high operational cost. Here we review and discuss the potential of using bio‐adsorbents, which can be derived from common biomass feedstocks, as low‐cost alternatives to traditional adsorbents, while these materials can also possess good removal efficiency against short‐chain PFAS. We further provide the perspective on the designs of low‐cost, activated bio‐adsorbent systems that can be implemented for effective removal of short‐chain PFAS.
Association between maternal body mass index and congenital anomalies: A case‐control study in Tuscany (Italy)
Authors: Mezzasalma Lorena , Santoro Michele , Coi Alessio , Pierini Anna
Published: December 2021

Objective

To investigate the relationship between prepregnancy maternal body mass index (BMI) and congenital anomalies (CAs).

Design

Case‐control study on data collected by the registry of CAs of Tuscany (Italy) and birth certificates from 2005 to 2017.

Main exposure

Maternal prepregnancy BMI.

Main outcome measures

Any major CAs and groups of organ‐specific anomalies. Odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using logistic regression models adjusted for maternal factors.

Results

Maternal BMI ≥25 was significantly associated with all nervous system anomalies (OR = 1.61, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.13–2.29) and with neural tube defects (OR = 2.03, 95% CI 1.00–4.12); maternal underweight was significantly associated with orofacial clefts (OR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.12–2.48). After stratification by education, in the low education group, mothers with BMI ≥25 had an increased risk of nervous system anomalies (OR = 2.19, 95% CI 1.01–4.76), whereas underweight mothers had an increased risk of nervous system anomalies (OR = 3.89, 95% CI 1.44–10.53), orofacial clefts (OR = 2.59, 95% CI 1.24–5.42), and urinary anomalies (OR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.07–2.82). In the medium/high education group, the only significantly increased risk was found in mothers with BMI ≥25 for nervous system anomalies (OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.00–2.25).

Conclusion

Main results have shown a positive association of maternal BMI ≥25 with nervous system anomalies and maternal underweight with orofacial clefts. The study has also evidenced the impact of social status and provided clues to the role of maternal ethnic background.
Dirichlet composition distribution for compositional data with zero components: An application to fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) detection of chromosome
Authors: Tang Man‐Lai , Wu Qin , Yang Sheng , Tian Guo‐Liang
Published: December 2021

Zeros in compositional data are very common and can be classified into rounded and essential zeros. The rounded zero refers to a small proportion or below detection limit value, while the essential zero refers to the complete absence of the component in the composition. In this article, we propose a new framework for analyzing compositional data with zero entries by introducing a stochastic representation. In particular, a new distribution, namely the Dirichlet composition distribution, is developed to accommodate the possible essential‐zero feature in compositional data. We derive its distributional properties (e.g., its moments). The calculation of maximum likelihood estimates via the Expectation‐Maximization (EM) algorithm will be proposed. The regression model based on the new Dirichlet composition distribution will be considered. Simulation studies are conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed methodologies. Finally, our method is employed to analyze a dataset of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for chromosome detection.
Dioscin: A review on pharmacological properties and therapeutic values
Authors: Bandopadhyay Shinjini , Anand Uttpal , Gadekar Vijaykumar Shivaji , Jha Niraj Kumar , Gupta Piyush Kumar , Behl Tapan , Kumar Manoj , Radha  , Shekhawat Mahipal S. , Dey Abhijit
Published: December 2021

Dioscin has gained immense popularity as a natural, bioactive steroid saponin, which offers numerous medical benefits. The growing global incidence of disease‐associated morbidity and mortality continues to compromise human health, facilitating an increasingly urgent need for nontoxic, noninvasive, and efficient treatment alternatives. Natural compounds can contribute vastly to this field. Over recent years, studies have demonstrated the remarkable protective actions of dioscin against a variety of human malignancies, metabolic disorders, organ injuries, and viral/fungal infections. The successful usage of this phytocompound has been widely seen in medical treatment procedures under traditional Chinese medicine, and it is becoming progressively prevalent worldwide. This review provides an insight into the wide spectrum of pharmacological activities of dioscin, as reported and compiled in recent literature. The various novel approaches and applications of dioscin also verify the advantages exhibited by plant extracts against commercially available drugs, highlighting the potential of phytochemical agents like dioscin to be further incorporated into clinical practice.
Sensitive and rapid simultaneous quantitation of leucovorin and its major active metabolite 5‐methyl‐tetrahydrofolate in human plasma using a liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadruple mass spectrometry
Authors: Dubey Naveen Kr
Published: December 2021

Bioanalysis of an endogenous compound such as leucovorin is never an easy task on a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometer (LC–MSMS). Unless it is necessary, regulatory guidance discourages working with surrogate matrices for calibration curve standard preparation. Herein, a selective and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous determination of leucovorin and 5‐methyl tetrahydrofolic acid in human plasma was developed and validated. Stable labeled internal standards, i.e. leucovorin D4 and 5‐ methyl tetrahydrofolic acid 13C5, were used as internal standards to track and compensate the parent compounds during processing and extraction from plasma. The method involves a rapid solid‐phase extraction from plasma followed by reverse‐phase gradient chromatography and mass spectrometry detection with a total run time of 5 min. The method was developed and validated from 5 to 2,202 ng/ml for leucovorin and from 5 to 1,300 ng/ml for 5‐methyl tetrahydrofolic acid. The mean recoveries for leucovorin and 5‐methyl tetrahydrofolic acid were 100.4 and 100.9% respectively. The validated method enabled the simultaneous analysis of leucovorin and 5‐methyl tetrahydrofolic acid in samples from clinical pharmacokinetic studies of leucovorin. The peak concentrations of leucovorin and 5‐methyl tetrahydrofolic acid were 651–883 and 518–635 ng/ml, respectively, in fasted and fed conditions. The terminal half‐life values for leucovorin and 5‐methyl tetrahydrofolic acid were 9.3–10.5 and 9.2–17.6 h, respectively.
Mitigate disasters by learning from diverse experience, installing tools early
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: December 2021

Cynthia Vargas retired from a 23‐year career with the Houston Fire Department to work in emergency management services at the University of Houston, Downtown. “I first took a position as an Emergency Management Specialist, where I was really involved at the hands‐on, operational level. I did that for about eight months before transitioning into the role of the Emergency Manager Director,” Vargas said.
Selective Electrochemical Production of Hydrogen Peroxide from Reduction of Oxygen on Mesoporous Nitrogen Containing Carbon
Authors: Mehta Shivangi , Gupta Divyani , Nagaiah Tharamani C.
Published: December 2021

Heteroatom doped carbon materials with mesopores are active catalysts to bring about oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media. Here, we aim to see the sights of mesoporous‐nitrogen containing carbon (MNC) prepared at three different temperatures towards selective hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production during oxygen reduction reaction in neutral media. A high H2O2 selectivity of 85 % at 0.7 V vs. RHE is apparent with a large H2O2 production rate of 9600 μmol gcatalyst−1 h−1 and faradaic efficiency of 88.7 % for MNC‐600 in 0.1 M KHCO3 solution. The effect of electrolyte towards selectivity is also premeditated. In the end, to visualize the local H2O2 production sequential chronoamperometry in SG‐TC mode was performed using Pt‐microelectrode at applied substrate potentials.
Fabrication of a Function‐Integrated Water Oxidation Catalyst through the Electrochemical Polymerization of Ruthenium Complexes
Authors: Iwami Hikaru , Kondo Mio , Masaoka Shigeyuki
Published: December 2021

Invited for this month's cover picture are Hikaru Iwami, Mio Kondo, and Shigeyuki Masaoka at Osaka University. The cover picture illustrates catalytic water oxidation by electrochemically deposited Ru complex polymer bearing carbazole moieties. The polymer catalyst exhibited excellent charge transporting ability, which was found to be a key for the efficient catalytic reaction. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/celc.202101363.
Data‐analysis method for material optimization by forecasting long‐term chemical stability
Authors: Schmitz Christian , Schucht Detlev , Verjans Kornelia , Krupka Frank
Published: December 2021

The development of material including optimization of long‐term effects often requires accelerated testing methods or calculation of future material behavior to avoid excessive project time. As controlled conditions with few parameters allow the application of laws, more complex modeling fails if the law does not cover all parameters or when several simultaneously occurring events cannot be combined to one comprehensive model. This approach describes a chemometric method accelerating the material development by forecasting the material behavior based on similar realizations under same test conditions. The capability of this method was analyzed with a synthetic data set simulating a typical application case including noise and the study for reducing the thermal yellowing of a coating. The thermal yellowing proceeds slowly over several weeks due to chemical reactions of the polymer influenced by synergistic effects of the coating ingredients. Moreover, it was shown how this forecasting method can be combined with experimental design via Gaussian process regression and Bayesian optimization. The comparison of the model based on the forecasts versus the observed values was shown drawn from the results of the start experiments. Furthermore, the suggestions for the next adaption based on forecasted values were evaluated.
Crack width verification and minimum reinforcement according to EC 2: Current model with specifications in Germany and Austria vs proposal for revision
Authors: Tue Nguyen Viet , Fehling Ekkehard , Schlicke Dirk , Krenn Christina
Published: December 2021

Limiting crack widths to an acceptable level and determining the required minimum reinforcement are important tasks in the design of reinforced and prestressed concrete structures. Experience with different types of structures, ranging from watertight concrete structures to prestressed concrete bridges, shows that the concept currently applied in Germany and Austria is very effective and that significant changes are not necessary. The current draft for the revision of the EC2 (prEC2), however, presents a new concept for crack width verification and minimum reinforcement. In contrast to the concept currently used in Germany and Austria, this new concept is based more on the analysis and good reproduction of observations made in laboratory experiments and takes less account of the mechanical relationships of reinforced or prestressed concrete after cracking. For this purpose, numerous empirical factors are introduced which not only complicate the understanding but also the application in practice. However, an improvement in the accuracy of the crack width prediction is not achieved and the minimum reinforcement is significantly underestimated, especially for prestressed cross sections and thick members. In this article, the new concept set out in prEC2 is explained in detail. Its main weaknesses and contradictions are discussed by a comparison with the concept currently applied in Germany and Austria as well as detailed analysis of 2D FEM simulations with discrete cracks and adequate regard of the bond stress‐slip relationship at the reinforcement‐concrete interface. This should provide the basis for a factual discussion before the introduction of prEC2 into practice.
Use of dilatometer to screen refractory raw materials
Authors: Mandal Somnath , Mahapatra Manoj K.
Published: December 2021

Sudden shortage of a particular raw material due to freight disruptions, competitive market, and COVID restrictions have frequently forced the refractory industry to rapidly develop alternative formulations using available low‐cost materials. These alternative ingredients might cursorily appear to have similar total impurity content, but the presence of certain impurity combinations depending on the refractory type can produce more fluid liquid phase at high temperature, thereby drastically reducing hot strength. Undetected by the commonly used X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, the low‐cost material might differ in mineral‐phase content, whose phase transformations during firing might create excessive expansion producing warpage of the refractory along with a high porosity reducing strength and corrosion resistance. Finally, those cheap raw materials might have similar sieve analysis to that of the standard ingredient but might have much lower tapped density, which would introduce detrimental porosity into the resulting refractory. Hence, time‐consuming trials are often performed. Dilatometer studies on pressed or cast samples in a single test can identify reaction temperatures of spinel or mullite formation, which expand during firing, along with the amount of expansion and exact times at which firing needs to be done. It can also compare relative shrinkage due to liquid‐phase formation among impure raw materials like recycled grogs or low‐grade ores. Finally, dilatometric step scan is shown as a fast technique to prepare in‐house, low‐cost reactive spinel powder, which can also work for mullite.
Ferroelectrics in Photocatalysis
Authors: Liu Lizhen , Huang Hongwei
Published: December 2021

The rapid development of industrialization and population has brought water, air‐pollution and energy crises. Solar‐driven catalysis is expected to relieve these issues. However, limited by poor light harvesting, serious charge recombination of semiconductors, and high surface reaction barriers, the low efficiency of solar conversion is far from satisfactory for industrial needs. Ferroelectrics are considered to be promising photocatalysts to overcome these shortcomings. Herein, perovskite ferroelectrics such as BaTiO3, PbTiO3, BiFeO3 and LiNbO3, layered bismuth‐based ferroelectrics like Bi2WO6 and Bi2MoO6, and other ferroelectrics are introduced, and their crystal structure, polarity source and synthetic method are highlighted. Subsequently, research progress in ferroelectrics for photocatalysis is summarized, including pollution degradation, water splitting and CO2 reduction. Finally, the current challenges and future prospects of ferroelectric photocatalysts are provided. The purpose of this review is not only to provide a timely summary for the application of ferroelectrics in photocatalysis, but also to present deep insight and a guideline for future research work into ferroelectrics.
Catalytic conversion of aromatics in fixed‐bed over several zeolites in the liquid phase
Authors: Gonçalves Jonathan C. , Oliveira Marcelo F. T. , Ferreira Alexandre F. P. , Rodrigues Alírio E.
Published: December 2021

Xylene isomerization is an important step in the production of p‐xylene. The reaction is normally conducted in the gas phase; however, the liquid‐phase isomerization has attracted the attention of both industry and academia. Three MFI‐type, two MOR‐type, and one BEA‐type zeolites with different SiO2/Al2O3 ratios were used to study the conversion of aromatics in the liquid‐phase at 513 K. The catalysts were characterized through several techniques to assess their textural and acidic properties. The experiments consisted of 3 ml/min (5 × 10−8 m3/s) of m‐xylene fed to a fixed‐bed column at 2.1 MPa to maintain liquid‐phase conditions for 25–30 h. MFI‐type zeolites showed high selectivity towards p‐xylene and long stability, but m‐xylene conversions were below 5%. Large‐pore zeolites exhibited significantly higher conversion but faster deactivation due to secondary reactions. MOR‐type zeolite with a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of 40 showed the best performance with a m‐xylene conversion of 45.3% with only 1.9% of secondary products.
The Survivorship Sleep Program (SSP): A synchronous, virtual cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia pilot program among cancer survivors
Authors: Hall Daniel L. , Arditte Hall Kimberly A. , Gorman Mark J. , Comander Amy , Goldstein Michael R. , Cunningham Tony J. , Wieman Sarah , Mizrach Helen R. , Juhel Brooke C. , Li Raissa , Markowitz Alexandros , Grandner Michael , Park Elyse R.
Published: December 2021

Background

For cancer survivors, insomnia is prevalent, distressing, and persists for years if unmanaged. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT‐I) is an effective treatment yet can be difficult to access and may require modification to address survivorship‐specific barriers to sleep. In this 2‐phase study, the authors adapted and assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of synchronous, virtual CBT‐I adapted for cancer survivors (the Survivorship Sleep Program [SSP]).

Methods

From April to August 2020, cancer survivors with insomnia (N = 10) were interviewed to refine SSP content and delivery. From October 2020 to March 2021, 40 survivors were recruited for a randomized controlled trial comparing 4 weekly SSP sessions with enhanced usual care (EUC) (CBT‐I referral plus a sleep hygiene handout). Feasibility and acceptability were assessed by enrollment, retention, attendance, fidelity, survey ratings, and exit interviews. Insomnia severity (secondary outcome), sleep quality, sleep diaries, and fatigue were assessed at baseline, postintervention, and at 1‐month follow‐up using linear mixed models.

Results

The SSP included targeted content and clinician‐led, virtual delivery to enhance patient centeredness and access. Benchmarks were met for enrollment (56% enrolled/eligible), retention (SSP, 90%; EUC, 95%), attendance (100%), and fidelity (95%). Compared with EUC, the SSP resulted in large, clinically significant improvements in insomnia severity (Cohen d = 1.19) that were sustained at 1‐month follow‐up (Cohen d = 1.27). Improvements were observed for all other sleep metrics except sleep diary total sleep time and fatigue.

Conclusions

Synchronous, virtually delivered CBT‐I targeted to cancer survivors is feasible, acceptable, and seems to be efficacious for reducing insomnia severity. Further testing in larger and more diverse samples is warranted.
Wireless link scheduling via parallel genetic algorithm
Authors: Saad Mohamed , El‐Moursy Ali , Alfawaz Oruba , Alnajjar Khawla , Abdallah Saeed
Published: December 2021

With the advent of fifth generation (5G) systems and the Internet‐of‐Things (IoT), the number of interconnected wireless devices is increasing significantly. Protocols that allow these deceives to interconnect peer‐to‐peer through wireless links are becoming of interest. The major challenge is the inevitable interference among the simultaneously activated wireless links. Given a set of wireless links, this article addresses the non‐deterministic polynomial‐time (NP) hard problem of selecting the maximum subset of links that can be simultaneously activated at their respective signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise‐ratio (SINR) targets. The contribution of this article is two‐fold. First, we introduce a new genetic algorithm (GA) constraint‐handling mechanism, and prove analytically that finding optimal link schedules is guaranteed. Second, we develop a novel parallelized GA to solve the problem. Through serial algorithm analysis, we utilize data decomposition as well as exploratory decomposition in order to achieve significant running time speedup, which scales well with problem size. Our numerical results for openMP parallelization illustrate 6.5 and 5.4 reduction in computation time as compared to the serial versions of the GA and hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA), respectively. Moreover, the parallelization of the GA and HGA result in a speedup of 10.4 and 5.4, respectively, using master‐slave multithreading.
A Direct NMR Method To Measure Self‐Diffusion Coefficients in Liquids by Monitoring Diffusing Molecules through One‐Dimensional Imaging
Authors: Aghelnejad Behdad , Bodenhausen Geoffrey , Pelupessy Philippe
Published: December 2021

Diffusion processes can be followed directly by recording one‐dimensional images of a selected slice at variable intervals after selective inversion of the magnetization. The resulting diffusion coefficients of H2O and DMSO are consistent with earlier studies at different temperatures, obtained by monitoring the attenuation of NMR signals as a function of the gradient amplitude in gradient echo sequences.