bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interrogating the Criminalisation of Same-Sex Sexual Activity: A Study of Commonwealth Africa
Authors: Arimoro Augustine Edobor
Published: April 2021

The Abrahamic faiths and received colonial law have been identified as the driving force behind the criminalisation of homosexual activity in most of the Commonwealth States of Africa. This article, therefore, seeks to question the role of criminal law in proscribing sexual activities amongst consenting adults of the same gender in Commonwealth African states. A recurring question in the paper is the propriety of criminalising a consensual conduct amongst consenting adults in private when no harm or injury is done to other citizens or the state in line with JS Mill’s principle of harm. The article finds that the misconception that the main aim of criminal law is to legislate the moral values of the majority, forms support for the view that homosexuality can be learned and unlearned and if this is the case, a paternalistic approach by the state would help mould citizens’ behaviour. A comparative and case study approach was adopted for the discussion in the article. Four Commonwealth African states, namely, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda were selected as case studies. The article recommends a much more robust approach for the support of sexual minorities in the Commonwealth.
Discontinuities in Oxidation Kinetics: A New Model and its Application to Cr–Si-Base Alloys
Authors: Ulrich Anke S. , Glatzel Uwe , Galetz Mathias C.
Published: April 2021

Some alloys such as many Cr-based systems show mass gain discontinuities during thermogravimetric measurements which strongly affect the oxidation kinetics. The behaviour cannot be described by the current models available in the literature. Thus, a novel$$k_\mathrm{para}$$kpara–$$k_\mathrm{lin}$$klin-P-model was developed to describe oxidation kinetics during the isothermal exposure of materials which show such behaviour. Beside the parabolic rate constant$$k_\mathrm{para}$$kparaand the linear mass loss constant$$k_\mathrm{lin}$$klin, theP-value and$$f_P$$fPare introduced to take into account spontaneous rapid mass gains due to local oxide scale failure. The parameterPserves as a measure for the mass gain due to discontinuous events and$$f_P$$fPis the frequency of such events. The both parameters can be related to oxide scale detachment and growth stresses. The application of the model is demonstrated for the oxidation of Cr–Si-based alloys in synthetic air at$$1200^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$1200∘Cfor 100 h. For these alloys, the origin of the mass gain discontinuities is discussed and the meaning ofPand$$f_P$$fPis explained in more detail. Using this newly developed model, an insight into growth and nitridation resistance of oxide scales as well as scale adhesion is gained.
Ontology-based metamorphic testing for chatbots
Authors: Božić Josip
Published: April 2021

Modern-day demands for services often require an availability on a 24/7 basis as well as online accessibility around the globe. For this sake, personalized virtual assistants, called chatbots, are implemented. Such systems offer services, goods or information in natural language. These natural language processing (NLP) programs respond to the user in real time and offer an intuitive and simple interface to interact with. Advantages like these make them increasingly popular. Therefore, ensuring correct functionality of chatbots is of increasing importance. However, since different implementations and user behaviour result in unpredictable results, the chatbot’s input and output data are difficult to predict and classify as well. Under such circumstances, test cases can be inferred from the domain of possible inputs of a system under test (SUT). Ontologies are concepts used in AI to provide formal representations of knowledge for a specific domain. Such ontological models contain structured information that is used for test generation. On the other hand, testing of chatbots represents a challenge because of the absence of a test oracle. In this paper, both challenges are addressed by conceptualizing ontologies for input generation and output processing in form of a metamorphic testing approach. In this scenario, both concepts are applied for automated testing of chatbots. The approach is demonstrated on a real system from the tourism domain, thereby discussing the obtained results.
An analysis of Existential Graphs–part 2: Beta
Authors: Bellucci Francesco , Pietarinen Ahti-Veikko
Published: April 2021

This paper provides an analysis of the notational difference between Beta Existential Graphs, the graphical notation for quantificational logic invented by Charles S. Peirce at the end of the 19th century, and the ordinary notation of first-order logic. Peirce thought his graphs to be “more diagrammatic” than equivalently expressive languages (including his own algebras) for quantificational logic. The reason of this, he claimed, is that less room is afforded in Existential Graphs than in equivalently expressive languages for different ways of representing the same fact. The reason of this, in turn, is that Existential Graphs are a non-linear, occurrence-referential notation. As a non-linear notation, each graph corresponds to a class of logically equivalent but syntactically distinct sentences of the ordinary notation of first-order logic that are obtained by permuting those elements (sentential variables, predicate expressions, and quantifiers) that in the graphs lie in the same area. As an occurrence-referential notation, each Beta graph corresponds to a class of logically equivalent but syntactically distinct sentences of the ordinary notation of first-order logic in which the identity of reference of two or more variables is asserted. In brief, Peirce’s graphs are more diagrammatic than the linear, type-referential notation of first-order logic because the function that translates the latter to the graphs does not define isomorphism between the two notations.
Seeking consistency with paired comparisons: a systems approach
Authors: Saari Donald G.
Published: April 2021

It is well known that decision methods based on pairwise rankings can suffer from a wide range of difficulties. These problems are addressed here by treating the methods as systems, where each pair is looked upon as a subsystem with an assigned task. In this manner, the source of several difficulties (including Arrow’s Theorem) is equated with the standard concern that the “whole need not be the sum of its parts.” These problems arise because the objectives assigned to subsystems need not be compatible with that of the system. Knowing what causes the difficulties leads to resolutions.
Ontological Perspectivism and Geographical Categorizations
Authors: Tambassi Timothy
Published: April 2021

According to ontological perspectivism, there can be, in principle, multiple and alternative perspectives on the world that can be sliced, systematized, and conceptualized in different ways. Surely, such an ontological position has many categorial implications, which may vary depending on different disciplinary contexts. This paper explores parts of these implications in the realm of geography. In particular, it aims at discussing the ontological categories that one might use to describe the geographical world in an overarching perspective – that is, the perspective that puts toether all the partial views coming from the different branches of the geographical investigation. We will see that if the overarching perspective is expected to include all the views on the geographical world, then such a perspective should be all-embracing in terms of contents and categories. This means that the overarching perspective might also comprehend inconsistencies that derive from how the various partial perspectives conceptualize differently the geographical world.
Schlafmedizinische Qualifizierung in Deutschland – eine Bestandsaufnahme
Authors: Stuck B. A. , Spiegelhalder K.
Published: April 2021

Einleitung

Einblicke in die schlafmedizinische Versorgungsroutine sind nicht ohne Weiteres zu erhalten, wären für eine strategische Steuerung und prospektive Versorgungsplanung jedoch hilfreich. Ziel der vorliegenden Publikation ist die Bestandsaufnahme der aktuellen schlafmedizinischen Qualifizierungsmaßnahmen in Deutschland mit Schwerpunkt auf die Bereiche schlafbezogene Atmungsstörungen und Insomnie.

Materialien und Methoden

Die Analyse basiert u. a. auf der Gesundheitsberichterstattung des Bundes, den von den Landesärztekammern und Kassenärztlichen Vereinigungen bereitgestellten Daten, dem Mitgliederverzeichnis der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Schlafforschung und Schlafmedizin (DGSM) und den Daten der Kommission Zertifizierung und Qualitätssicherung der DGSM.

Ergebnisse

Die Gesundheitsberichterstattung des Bundes weist für 2018 insgesamt 1255 Schlafmedizinerinnen (im Folgenden wird zur besseren Lesbarkeit nur die weibliche Form genannt) in Deutschland aus. Nach den Daten der Landesärztekammern hingegen gab es 2020 insgesamt 1436 Schlafmedizinerinnen. Demnach verfügen nur etwa 0,4 % aller berufstätigen Ärztinnen über eine Zusatzbezeichnung Schlafmedizin. Die Mehrzahl sind Fachärztinnen für Innere Medizin (66,6 %), gefolgt von HNO-Heilkunde (12,5 %) und Neurologie (10,7 %). Deutlich höher ist die Anzahl der Ärztinnen mit Ermächtigung bzw. Zulassung zur Polygrafie. Laut DGSM gibt es in Deutschland derzeit 700 ärztliche Somnologinnen. Dies entspricht 0,17 % aller berufstätigen Ärztinnen. Die zertifizierten Schlaflabore werden zu etwa 70 % durch Pneumologinnen geleitet. Bislang haben 75 Personen einen freiwilligen Qualifikationsnachweis zur kognitiven Verhaltenstherapie bei Insomnie der DGSM erworben.

Schlussfolgerung

Die vorgelegten Daten machen deutlich, dass nur vergleichsweise wenige Fachärztinnen den Weg hin zu einer schlafmedizinischen Weiterbildung bzw. Qualifizierung wählen. Dies steht im erheblichen Kontrast zur weiten Verbreitung insbesondere der schlafbezogenen Atmungsstörungen und der Insomnien, die klassische Volkskrankheiten darstellen.
Semi-analytical static analysis of nonlocal strain gradient laminated composite nanoplates in hygrothermal environment
Authors: Tocci Monaco Giovanni , Fantuzzi Nicholas , Fabbrocino Francesco , Luciano Raimondo
Published: April 2021

In this work, the bending behavior of nanoplates subjected to both sinusoidal and uniform loads in hygrothermal environment is investigated. The present plate theory is based on the classical laminated thin plate theory with strain gradient effect to take into account the nonlocality present in the nanostructures. The equilibrium equations have been carried out by using the principle of virtual works and a system of partial differential equations of the sixth order has been carried out, in contrast to the classical thin plate theory system of the fourth order. The solution has been obtained using a trigonometric expansion (e.g., Navier method) which is applicable to simply supported boundary conditions and limited lamination schemes. The solution is exact for sinusoidal loads; nevertheless, convergence has to be proved for other load types such as the uniform one. Both the effect of the hygrothermal loads and lamination schemes (cross-ply and angle-ply nanoplates) on the bending behavior of thin nanoplates are studied. Results are reported in dimensionless form and validity of the present methodology has been proven, when possible, by comparing the results to the ones from the literature (available only for cross-ply laminates). Novel applications are shown both for cross- and angle-ply laminated which can be considered for further developments in the same topic.
Tailoring materials science to meet the evolving needs of satellite engineering
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: April 2021

Each year numerous satellites are being launched into orbit around the Earth. Global communications, navigation, and weather, climate and environmental monitoring are only a few of the areas that are driving the increase in their use. Materials science needs to keep pace with the development of satellites as their designs change and the sensitive systems on board become more complex and need protection for the hostile environment of space. In this article, Saint-Gobain Seals, which specialises in polymers and sealing technology, explains how its materials are being used to meet the evolving needs of satellite engineering.
Freudenberg helps valve manufacturer engineer seal for hygienic valve
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: April 2021

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has helped an Italian company, which makes valves, to engineer a unique seal for a hygienic high-pressure valve, as briefly reported in Sealing Technology, February 2021 (page 2). This follow-up article takes a closer look at the way in which the combination of a new sealing geometry and proven materials has resulted in a customer-specific seal. Eliminating the need to set up manufacturing tooling to produce sample parts also saved time and money.
Leak-proof gasket supported by ten-year gas-tight performance guarantee ensures long-term pipeline integrity
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: April 2021

Norway's Pipeotech AS is supporting facility owners and operators by now offering them a ten-year gas-tight guarantee as standard on its DeltaV-Seal. The pipe sealing specialist says that the move illustrates its faith in the type-approved leak-proof gasket that is capable of eliminating fugitive emissions.
Maintaining effective sealing in applications involving large diameter bearings and shafts
Authors: Atkinson Simon
Published: April 2021

Following a research and development project – in collaboration with wind turbine and bearing manufactures – James Walker has launched a new version of its Walkersele® rotary lip seal. The UK-based company, which specialises in sealing technology and materials development, says it is designed to maintain effective sealing against eccentricity of movement and increased offset in applications involving large diameter bearings and shafts – critical components that are found in the latest wind turbines.
Gamification – can it be applied to security awareness training?
Authors: Emm David
Published: April 2021

Typically, and traditionally, people don't enjoy corporate learning. Many workers associate its various forms – from health & safety, compliance and cyber security training – as a mundane but necessary tick box that disrupts their normal workload.
Community engagement during COVID: A field report from seven CTSAs
Authors: Marsh Erica E. , Kappelman Michael D. , Kost Rhonda G. , Mudd-Martin Gia , Shannon Jackilen , Stark Louisa A. , Carrasquillo Olveen
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Prior to the COVID pandemic, many CTSAs employed face-to-face interactions to conduct most of their community engagement (CE) activities. During the COVID pandemic, such engagement had to be curtailed and alternatives needed to be formulated. In addition, Community Engaged Research (CEnR) teams refocused their efforts to address this public health crisis.

Methods:

To obtain a general understanding of how CTSAs have conducted CE and CEnR during the COVID pandemic, we invited seven CTSA CE leaders to provide brief field reports of their activities during the pandemic. This included how their approaches to CE and CEnR were modified during the COVID-19 pandemic and key lessons learned.

Results:

We found that despite numerous challenges, all seven CTSAs CE cores were able to successfully carry out CE and CEnR. We also found that the fundamental principles of meaningful and authentic stakeholder engagement were of paramount importance during the pandemic. Through virtual approaches, all sites had considerable success in maintaining CE in during the COVID pandemic. They also leveraged existing bi-directional community partnerships to carry out meaningful and impactful research. This included both new COVID CEnR and also innovative approaches to sustain prior non-COVID research.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that academic-community partnerships must be fostered and sustained over the many years so that when such crises emerge, all partners can build on existing trust and mutual respect. The lessons learned and the new tools and approaches developed would be key in addressing any such future public health emergencies.
Communion and Jurisdiction
Authors: Adam Will
Published: April 2021

In May 2019 ARCIC III, the current phase of the Anglican–Roman Catholic International Commission met at St George's Cathedral, Jerusalem. The commission members (and staff) were entertained to lunch in the Latin Patriarchate by the Apostolic Administrator (now the Latin Patriarch), Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa OFM. On the wall was a photograph which, it was explained, was a picture of the dozen or so bishops in Jerusalem who were in communion with the See of Rome. There were among them Latins or Roman Catholics, Greek Melkite Catholics, Maronites, Syrian Catholics and Armenian Catholics. All were present in Jerusalem and its environs and exercising episcopal ministry and jurisdiction. And all were in communion with each other.
Reminiscences of Fredrick Chopin
Authors: Osborne G. A.
Published: April 2021

The paper on “Berlioz,” which I had the honour of reading at one of our meetings last session, having been so kindly received by the members of the Musical Association, I have been induced to give one on “Chopin,” with whom, as with Berlioz, I was intimately acquainted during my stay in Paris, where I resided for many years. Everything connected with Chopin has, at the present day, much more than ordinary interest.
Completing the Picture: Complexity of Graded Modal Logics with Converse
Authors: BEDNARCZYK BARTOSZ , KIEROŃSKI EMANUEL , WITKOWSKI PIOTR
Published: April 2021

A complete classification of the complexity of the local and global satisfiability problems for graded modal language over traditional classes of frames has already been established. By “traditional” classes of frames, we mean those characterized by any positive combination of reflexivity, seriality, symmetry, transitivity, and the Euclidean property. In this paper, we fill the gaps remaining in an analogous classification of the graded modal language with graded converse modalities. In particular, we show its NExpTime-completeness over the class of Euclidean frames, demonstrating this way that over this class the considered language is harder than the language without graded modalities or without converse modalities. We also consider its variation disallowing graded converse modalities, but still admitting basic converse modalities. Our most important result for this variation is confirming an earlier conjecture that it is decidable over transitive frames. This contrasts with the undecidability of the language with graded converse modalities.
Stalagmite Layers Reveal Hidden Climate Stories
Authors: Baker Andy , Mariethoz Gregoire , Comas-Bru Laia , Hartmann Andreas , Frisia Silvia , Borsato Andrea , Treble Pauline , Asrat Asfawossen
Published: April 2021

A global investigation discovers where annually laminated stalagmites are found, analyzes their growth properties, and explains how they can be best used in Earth science research.
Sudden death and revival of Gaussian Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen steering in noisy channels
Authors: Deng Xiaowei , Liu Yang , Wang Meihong , Su Xiaolong , Peng Kunchi
Published: April 2021

Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen (EPR) steering is a useful resource for secure quantum information tasks. It is crucial to investigate the effect of inevitable loss and noise in quantum channels on EPR steering. We analyze and experimentally demonstrate the influence of purity of quantum states and excess noise on Gaussian EPR steering by distributing a two-mode squeezed state through lossy and noisy channels, respectively. We show that the impurity of state never leads to sudden death of Gaussian EPR steering, but the noise in quantum channel can. Then we revive the disappeared Gaussian EPR steering by establishing a correlated noisy channel. Different from entanglement, the sudden death and revival of Gaussian EPR steering are directional. Our result confirms that EPR steering criteria proposed by Reid and I. Kogias et al. are equivalent in our case. The presented results pave way for asymmetric quantum information processing exploiting Gaussian EPR steering in noisy environment.
Quantum tunneling theory of Cooper pairs as bosonic particles
Authors: Patiño Edgar J. , Lozano-Gómez Daniel
Published: April 2021

We propose a simple phenomenological theory for quantum tunneling of Cooper pairs, in superconductor/insulator/superconductor tunnel junctions, for a regime where the system can be modeled as bosonic particles. Indeed, provided there is an absence of quasiparticle excitations (fermions), our model reveals a rapid increase in tunneling current, around zero bias voltage, which rapidly saturates. This manifests as a zero bias conductance peak that strongly depends on the superconductors temperature in a non-monotonic way. This low energy tunneling of Cooper pairs could serve as an alternative explanation for a number of tunneling experiments where zero bias conductance peak has been observed.
Intelligent computing through neural networks for numerical treatment of non-Newtonian wire coating analysis model
Authors: Aljohani Jawaher Lafi , Alaidarous Eman Salem , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor , Shoaib Muhammad , Alhothuali Muhammed Shabab
Published: April 2021

In the current study, a modern implementation of intelligent numerical computational solver introduced using the Levenberg Marquardt algorithm based trained neural networks (LMA-TNN) to analyze the wire coating system (WCS) for the elastic-viscous non-Newtonian Eyring–Powell fluid (EPF) with the impacts of Joule heating, magnetic parameter and heat transfer scenarios in the permeable medium. The nonlinear PDEs describing the WCS-EPF are converted into dimensionless nonlinear ODEs containing the heat and viscosity parameters. The reference data for the designed LMA-TNN is produced for various scenarios of WCS-EPF representing with porosity parameter, non-Newtonian parameter, heat transfer parameter and magnetic parameter for the proposed analysis using the state of the art explicit Runge–Kutta technique. The training, validation, and testing operations of LMA-TNN are carried out to obtain the numerical solution of WCS-EPF for various cases and their comparison with the approximate outcomes certifying the reasonable accuracy and precision of LMA-TNN approach. The outcomes of LMA-TNN solver in terms of state transition (ST) index, error-histograms (EH) illustration, mean square error, and regression (R) studies further established the worth for stochastic numerical solution of the WCS-EPF. The strong correlation between the suggested and the reference outcomes indicates the structure’s validity, for all four cases of WCS-EPF, fitting of the precision $$10^{-5}$$

10

-
5

to $$10^{-9}$$

10

-
9

is also accomplished.
Effect of land use, habitat suitability, and hurricanes on the population connectivity of an endemic insular bat
Authors: Calderón-Acevedo Camilo A. , Rodríguez-Durán Armando , Soto-Centeno J. Angel
Published: April 2021

Urbanization and natural disasters can disrupt landscape connectivity, effectively isolating populations and increasing the risk of local extirpation particularly in island systems. To understand how fragmentation affects corridors among forested areas, we used circuit theory to model the landscape connectivity of the endemic batStenoderma rufumwithin Puerto Rico. Our models combined species occurrences, land use, habitat suitability, and vegetation cover data that were used either as resistance (land use) or conductance layers (habitat suitability and vegetation cover). Urbanization affected connectivity overall from east to west and underscored protected and rustic areas for the maintenance of forest corridors. Suitable habitat provided a reliable measure of connectivity among potential movement corridors that connected more isolated areas. We found that intense hurricanes that disrupt forest integrity can affect connectivity of suitable habitat. Some of the largest protected areas in the east of Puerto Rico are at an increasing risk of becoming disconnected from more continuous forest patches. Given the increasing rate of urbanization, this pattern could also apply to other vertebrates. Our findings show the importance of maintaining forest integrity, emphasizing the considerable conservation value of rustic areas for the preservation of local biodiversity.
Defect induced ferromagnetic ordering and room temperature negative magnetoresistance in MoTeP
Authors: Pal Debarati , Kumar Shiv , Shahi Prashant , Dan Sambhab , Verma Abhineet , Gangwar Vinod K. , Singh Mahima , Chakravarty Sujoy , Uwatoko Yoshiya , Saha Satyen , Patil Swapnil , Chatterjee Sandip
Published: April 2021

The magneto-transport, magnetization and theoretical electronic-structure have been investigated on type-II Weyl semimetallic MoTeP. The ferromagnetic ordering is observed in the studied sample and it has been shown that the observed magnetic ordering is due to the defect states. It has also been demonstrated that the presence of ferromagnetic ordering in effect suppresses the magnetoresistance (MR) significantly. Interestingly, a change-over from positive to negative MR is observed at higher temperature which has been attributed to the dominance of spin scattering suppression.
Neighborhood street activity and greenspace usage uniquely contribute to predicting crime
Authors: Schertz Kathryn E. , Saxon James , Cardenas-Iniguez Carlos , Bettencourt Luís M. A. , Ding Yi , Hoffmann Henry , Berman Marc G.
Published: April 2021

Crime is a costly societal issue. While many factors influence urban crime, one less-studied but potentially important factor is neighborhood greenspace. Research has shown that greenspace is often negatively associated with crime. Measuring residents’ use of greenspace, as opposed to mere physical presence, is critical to understanding this association. Here, we used cell phone mobility data to quantify local street activity and park visits in Chicago and New York City. We found that both factors were negatively associated with crime, while controlling for socio-demographic factors. Each factor explained unique variance, suggesting multiple pathways for the influence of street activity and greenspace on crime. Physical tree canopy had a smaller association with crime, and was only a significant predictor in Chicago. These findings were further supported by exploratory directed acyclic graph modeling, which found separate direct paths for both park visits and street activity to crime.
Amorphous inorganic semiconductors for the development of solar cell, photoelectrocatalytic and photocatalytic applications
Authors: Wang Bing , Biesold Gill M. , Zhang Meng , Lin Zhiqun
Published: April 2021

Amorphous inorganic semiconductors with unique optical and electrical properties are reviewed for applications in solar cells, photoelectrochemistry and photocatalysis.
Stable cycling via absolute intercalation in graphite-based lithium-ion battery incorporated by solidified ether-based polymer electrolyte
Authors: Kim Hyunjin , Kim Do Youb , Suk Jungdon , Kang Yongku , Lee Jin Bae , Kim Hae Jin , Kim Dong Wook
Published: April 2021

Detrimental co-intercalation and severe capacity fading were effectively prevented by the addition of fluoroethylene carbonate, and the resulting “absolute intercalation” enabled the stable cycling of the graphite/LiFePO4 polymer electrolyte battery.
Iodide-promoted transformations of imidazopyridines into sulfur-bridged imidazopyridines or 1,2,4-thiadiazoles
Authors: Ma Shi-Tang , Zhu Xiao-Xiao , Xu Jing-Yu , Li Ying , Zhang Xiao-Mei , Feng Cheng-Tao , Yan Yizhe
Published: April 2021

Iodide-promoted transformations of imidazopyridines into sulfur-bridged imidazopyridines or 1,2,4-thiadiazoles have been developed using Deoxofluor as a novel sulfur source at room temperature.
Efficient NIR-I fluorescence photoswitching based on giant fluorescence quenching in photochromic nanoparticles
Authors: Yamasaki Shinya , Ishida Sanae , Kim Sunnam , Yamada Mihoko , Nakashima Takuya , Kawai Tsuyoshi , Kurihara Seiji , Fukaminato Tuyoshi
Published: April 2021

A photoswitchable near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent nanoparticle (NP) was designed and prepared.
An oxygen-coordinated molybdenum single atom catalyst for efficient electrosynthesis of ammonia
Authors: Geng Jing , Zhang Shengbo , Xu Hui , Wang Guozhong , Zhang Haimin
Published: April 2021

The Mo–O coordinated single-atom catalyst was successfully synthesized by utilizing surface oxygen-rich activated carbon as the adsorption regulator, as the electrocatalyst exhibits superior nitrogen reduction activity with high ammonia yield.
Synthesis, structures and stability of three V-substituted polyoxoniobate clusters based on [TeNb9O33]17− units
Authors: Yang Zongfei , Shang Jingjing , Yang Yuanyuan , Ma Pengtao , Niu Jingyang , Wang Jingping
Published: April 2021

Three oxo NbTeV clusters, {[Cu4(2,2′-bipy)4(H2O)2][TeNb9V2O37]} (1) and {[CuL(H2O)]3[TeNb9V3O39]} (L = en and 1,3-dap) (2 and 3) have been synthesized and the solution stability of them was measured by ESI-MS and 51V NMR.
Study on the spectral characteristics and analytical performance of pulverized coal using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy under a fast physical constraint
Authors: Zhan Kaiping , Chen Ji , He Chao , Tang Zhiyang , Li Qingzhou , Liu Ke , Zhu Chenwei , Li Xiangyou
Published: April 2021

Using a new sample preparation device to improve the online analysis capability of LIBS for pulverized coal.
Effects of gas temperature gradient on the accuracy of single-particle inductively coupled plasma (SP-ICP) measurements
Authors: Chun Ka-Him , Chan Wing-Tat
Published: April 2021

A sheath gas device was used to show that the measured intensity of single particles depends on the radial position of the particles in the ICP central channel, which may result in inaccurate particle size determination at low observation positions.
A naked-eye colorimetric sensor based on chalcone for the sequential recognition of copper(ii) and sulfide ions in semi-aqueous solution: spectroscopic and theoretical approaches
Authors: Singh Nidhi , Chandra Ramesh
Published: April 2021

A chalcone-based new colorimetric sensor A01 for the sequential detection of Cu2+ and S2− ions.
The impact of the histidyl residue position on the formation and stability of Cu(ii) complexes and their ability of ROS generation
Authors: Lesiów Monika Katarzyna , Krupa Katarzyna
Published: April 2021

Cu(ii) complexes with Ac-H1WKGPLR-NH, Ac-EH2KA-NH2, and Ac-KEH3K-NH2 peptides are able to generate reactive oxygen species.
Organocatalytic enantioselective aza-Friedel–Crafts alkylation of β-naphthols and isatin-derived ketimines via a Takemoto-type catalyst
Authors: Chen Zhe , Zhang Tianyi , Sun Yuhong , Wang Liming , Jin Ying
Published: April 2021

The catalyst type and the substrate scope were broadened using this methodology.
Robust fluorescent amphiphilic polymer micelle for drug carrier application
Authors: Shi Lei , Lu Shuting , Sun Tiedong , Xi Gaolei , Chen Zhifei , Xu Kejing , Zhao Xu , Shen Meihua , Jia Tao , Zhao Xiuhua
Published: April 2021

The prepared micelles DPOA possessed good biocompatibility, robust stability, and high fluorescent property. The introduction of fluorescent dye made the amphiphilic copolymer obtain the ability of bioimaging to monitor the transport of drug carriers.
DTBP-promoted site-selective α-alkoxyl C–H functionalization of alkyl esters: synthesis of 2-alkyl ester substituted chromanones
Authors: Yu Jin-Tao , Li Yiting , Chen Rongzhen , Yang Zixian , Pan Changduo
Published: April 2021

DTBP-promoted site-selective α-alkoxyl C–H functionalization of alkyl esters towards 2-alkyl ester substituted chromanones via a radical pathway was developed.
Size-transformable nanohybrids with pH/redox/enzymatic sensitivity for anticancer therapy
Authors: Wu Bozhen , Li Mingpei , Wang Liudi , Iqbal Zoya , Zhu Kaiqi , Yang Yuhao , Li Yulin
Published: April 2021

Under endogenous/exogenous stimulation, nanoparticles achieve photothermal therapy to enhance chemotherapy and undergo a size transformation to penetrate deep tumor tissues.
High electrical conduction of the Sb square net in an anti-ThCr2Si2 type La2O2Sb thin film grown by multilayer solid-phase epitaxy
Authors: Yamamoto Yuki , Kawasoko Hideyuki , Fukumura Tomoteru
Published: April 2021

Extremely large reduction of resistivity was demonstrated in La2O2Sb with a Sb square net by forming an epitaxial thin film.
Triple-shape memory, magneto-response, and piezo-resistive flexible composites: multiple-sensing and switchable actuating
Authors: Hu Tao , Xuan Shouhu , Shu Quan , Xu Zhenbang , Shen Longjiang , Li Jun , Gong Xinglong
Published: April 2021

A high-temperature liquid metal (HLM) –based magneto-resistive strain sensor (PPLC sensor) with triple-shape memory effects, compressive strain/magnetic field–dependent conductivity, and magnetically driven property was developed.
Thud-Tempters and Mockingbirds: A Cognitive–Linguistic Approach to Acoustic Assumptions
Authors: Beaton Fiona , Ayers Ava , Pickering John , Kayajian Daniel
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study analyzed information shared through journal reflections of a client and a student clinician participating in The College of Saint Rose Transgender Voice and Communication Program related to the application and implications of Acoustic Assumptions. This research note was generated by a client, a student clinician, and certified speech-language pathologists.

Method

This single-case study focused on an eclectic approach to gender-affirmative voice services that addressed factors related to resonance commonly explored with transgender clients. A first-person account of reactions to therapy served as the foundation for journal reflections made by the client and the student clinician. Therefore, first-person language appears in the journal entries to detail our perspectives of this clinical experience.

Results

Providing gender-affirmative voice services in a holistic manner helped the client align her communication with her gender identity. Creating a client-specific conceptual framework that prioritized elements of cognitive–linguistic therapy, education, and counseling supported the client as the resonance challenges frequently experienced by transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals outlined in Acoustic Assumptions were explored. Limitations regarding the clinical application of this highly individualized approach to resonance are acknowledged. The findings from this study may not generalize to entire clinical populations, given the format of the research design.

Conclusions

We found this therapeutic approach helped the client develop a personalized understanding of the resonance challenges she was experiencing (see below for a more detailed discussion of those challenges). And she was able to deepen her ability to produce voice with forward resonance, an acoustic parameter that researchers have found many listeners to associate with “femininity” and that, in this case, aligned with the client's perception of femininity. Techniques used and observations on them may be useful for future work in gender-affirmative voice services.
Launching the asymmetric bipolar jet of DO Tau
Authors: Erkal J. , Dougados C. , Coffey D. , Cabrit S. , Bacciotti F. , Garcia-Lopez R. , Fedele D. , Chrysostomou A.
Published: April 2021

Context. The role of bipolar jets in the formation of stars, and in particular how they are launched, is still not well understood.

Aims. We probe the protostellar jet launching mechanism using high-resolution observations of the near-infrared (IR) [Fe II]λ1.53,1.64 μm emission lines.

Methods. We consider the case of the bipolar jet from Classical T Tauri star, DO Tau, and investigate the jet morphology and kinematics close to the star (within 140 au) using AO-assisted IFU observations from GEMINI/NIFS.

Results. We find that the brighter, blueshifted jet is collimated very quickly after it is launched. This early collimation requires the presence of magnetic fields. We confirm velocity asymmetries between the two lobes of the bipolar jet, and also confirm no time variability in the asymmetry over a 20-year interval. This sustained asymmetry is in accordance with recent simulations of magnetised disc winds. We examine the data for signatures of jet rotation. We report an upper limit on differences in radial velocity of 6.3 and 8.7 km s−1 for the blue- and redshifted jets, respectively. Interpreting this as an upper limit on jet rotation implies that any steady, axisymmetric magneto-centrifugal model of jet launching is constrained to a launch radius in the disc plane of r0 < 0.5 and 0.3 au for the blue- and redshifted jets, respectively. This supports an X-wind or narrow disc-wind model. However, the result pertains only to the observed high-velocity [Fe II] emission, and does not rule out a wider flow launched from a wider radius. We report the detection of small-amplitude jet axis wiggling in both lobes. We rule out orbital motion of the jet source as the cause. Precession can better account for the observations but requires double the precession angle, and a different phase for the counter-jet. Such non-solid body precession could arise from an inclined massive Jupiter companion, or a warping instability induced by launching a magnetic disc wind.

Conclusions. Overall, our observations are consistent with an origin of the DO Tau jets from the inner regions of the disc.
Algebraic quantification of an active region contribution to the solar cycle
Authors: Wang Zi-Fan , Jiang Jie , Wang Jing-Xiu
Published: April 2021

Context. The solar dipole moment at cycle minimum is considered to be the most reliable precursor with which to determine the amplitude of the subsequent cycle. Numerical simulations of the surface flux transport (SFT) model are widely used to effectively predict the dipole moment at cycle minimum. An algebraic method was recently proposed to quickly predict the contribution of an active region (AR) to the axial dipole moment at cycle minimum instead of SFT simulations. The method assumes a bipolar magnetic region (BMR) configuration of ARs, however most ARs are asymmetric in configuration of opposite polarities, or have more complex configurations. Such ARs evolve significantly differently from those of BMR approximations.

Aims. We propose a generalized algebraic method to describe the axial dipole contribution of an AR with an arbitrary configuration, and evaluate its effectiveness compared to the BMR-based method.

Methods. We employ mathematical deductions to obtain the generalized method. We compare the results of the generalized method with SFT simulations of observed ARs, artificially created BMRs, and ARs with more complex configurations. We also compare the results with those from the BMR-based method.

Results. The generalized method is equivalent to the SFT model, and precisely predicts the contributions of ARs to the dipole moment, but has a much higher computational efficiency. Although the BMR-based method has similar computational efficiency to the generalized method, it is only accurate for symmetric bipolar ARs. The BMR-based method systematically overestimates the dipole contributions of asymmetric bipolar ARs, and randomly miscalculates the contributions of more complex ARs.

Conclusions. The generalized method provides a quick and precise quantification of the contribution of an AR to solar cycle evolution, which paves the way for application in physics-based solar cycle predictions.
Electron Bernstein waves and narrowband plasma waves near the electron cyclotron frequency in the near-Sun solar wind
Authors: Malaspina D. M. , Wilson III L. B. , Ergun R. E. , Bale S. D. , Bonnell J. W. , Goodrich K. , Goetz K. , Harvey P. R. , MacDowall R. J. , Pulupa M. , Halekas J. , Case A. , Kasper J. C. , Larson D. , Stevens M. , Whittlesey P.
Published: April 2021

Context. Recent studies of the solar wind sunward of 0.25 AU reveal that it contains quiescent regions, with low-amplitude plasma and magnetic field fluctuations, and a magnetic field direction similar to the Parker spiral. The quiescent regions are thought to have a more direct magnetic connection to the solar corona than other types of solar wind, suggesting that waves or instabilities in the quiescent regions are indicative of the early evolution of the solar wind as it escapes the corona. The quiescent solar wind regions are highly unstable to the formation of plasma waves near the electron cyclotron frequency (fce).

Aims. We examine high time resolution observations of these waves in an effort to understand their impact on electron distribution functions of the quiescent near-Sun solar wind.

Methods. High time resolution waveform captures of near-fce waves were examined to determine variations of their amplitude and frequency in time as well as their polarization properties.

Results. We demonstrate that the near-fce wave intervals contain several distinct wave types, including electron Bernstein waves and extremely narrowband waves that are highly sensitive to the ambient magnetic field orientation. Using the properties of these waves, we suggest possible plasma wave mode classifications and possible instabilities that generate these waves. The results of this analysis indicate that these waves may modify the cold core of the electron distribution functions in the quiescent near-Sun solar wind.
The CARMENES search for exoplanets around M dwarfs
Authors: Perger M. , Ribas I. , Anglada-Escudé G. , Morales J. C. , Amado P. J. , Caballero J. A. , Quirrenbach A. , Reiners A. , Béjar V. J. S. , Dreizler S. , Galadí-Enríquez D. , Hatzes A. P. , Henning Th. , Jeffers S. V. , Kaminski A. , Kürster M. , Lafarga M. , Montes D. , Pallé E. , Rodríguez-López C. , Schweitzer A. , Zapatero Osorio M. R. , Zechmeister M.
Published: April 2021

Context. The interaction between Earth-like exoplanets and the magnetic field of low-mass host stars are considered to produce weak emission signals at radio frequencies. A study using LOFAR data announced the detection of radio emission from the mid M-type dwarf GJ 1151 that could potentially arise from a close-in terrestrial planet. Recently, the presence of a 2.5-M⊕ planet orbiting GJ 1151 with a 2-day period has been claimed using 69 radial velocities (RVs) from the HARPS-N and HPF instruments.

Aims. We have obtained 70 new high-precision RV measurements in the framework of the CARMENES M-dwarf survey and use these data to confirm the presence of the claimed planet and to place limits on possible planetary companions in the GJ 1151 system.

Methods. We analysed the periodicities present in the combined RV data sets from all three instruments and calculated the detection limits for potential planets in short-period orbits.

Results. We cannot confirm the recently announced candidate planet and conclude that the 2-day signal in the HARPS-N and HPF data sets is most probably produced by a long-term RV variability, possibly arising from an outer planetary companion that has yet to be constrained. We calculate a 99.9% significance detection limit of 1.50 m s−1 in the RV semi-amplitude, which places upper limits of 0.7 M⊕ and 1.2 M⊕ on the minimum masses of potential exoplanets with orbital periods of 1 and 5 days, respectively.
Anti-Toxoplasma IgG assays: What performances for what purpose? A systematic review
Authors: Robert-Gangneux Florence , Guegan Hélène
Published: April 2021

Chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii is attested by the detection of specific anti-Toxoplasma IgG. A wide panel of serologic methods is currently marketed, and the most suitable method should be chosen according to the laboratory resources and the screened population. This systematic review of evaluation studies aimed at establishing an overview of the performances, i.e. sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of marketed anti-Toxoplasma IgG assays, and discussing their technical characteristics to guide further choice for routine diagnostic use. According to PRISMA guidelines, the search performed in PubMed and Web of Science databases recovered 826 studies, of which 17 were ultimately included. Twenty commercial anti-Toxoplasma IgG assays were evaluated, in comparison with an accepted reference method. Most of them were enzyme-immunoassays (EIAs, n = 12), followed by agglutination tests (n = 4), immunochromatographic tests (n = 3), and a Western-Blot assay (WB, n = 1). The mean sensitivity of IgG assays ranged from 89.7% to 100% for standard titers and from 13.4% to 99.2% for low IgG titers. A few studies pointed out the ability of some methods, especially WB to detect IgG early after primary infection. The specificity of IgG assays was generally high, ranging from 91.3% to 100%; and higher than 99% for most EIA assays. The PPV was not a discriminant indicator among methods, whereas significant disparities (87.5%–100%) were reported among NPVs, a key-parameter assessing the ability to definitively rule out a Toxoplasma infection in patients at-risk for opportunistic infections.
Der Einfluss von Profession und Erfahrung hinsichtlich der kriteriengeleiteten Beurteilung der Schuldfähigkeit bei paraphilen Störungen – eine randomisierte kontrollierte Studie
Authors: Dobbrunz Sascha , Daubmann Anne , Müller Jürgen L. , Briken Peer
Published: April 2021

Ziel der Studie Die Studie untersucht, ob Beruf und Erfahrungsgrad einen Einfluss auf die kriteriengeleitete Beurteilung der Schuldfähigkeit bei paraphilen Störungen haben.

Methodik Zwei verschiedene Kriterienkataloge wurden von 3 verschiedenen Berufsgruppen (Psychologen, Psychiater und Juristen), jeweils mit einem unterschiedlichen Ausmaß an Vorerfahrung, hinsichtlich ihrer prädiktiven Validität überprüft. Hierzu bewerteten 349 Rater die Kriterien eines von 2 Kriterienkatalogen anhand einer von 2 beispielhaften Fallvignetten. Die Zuteilung erfolgte randomisiert.

Ergebnisse Die Variablen Erfahrungsgrad und Berufszugehörigkeit zeigten bezogen auf keinen der beiden Kriterienkataloge einen Zusammenhang mit der Vorhersageleistung bezüglich der Einschätzung der Schwere der Störung bzw. der erheblich verminderten Steuerungsfähigkeit.

Schlussfolgerung Bei der Anwendung einer kriteriengeleiteten Vorgehensweise konnte mit der Methodik der hier vorliegenden Studie (Präsentation von kurzen Fallvignetten) kein signifikanter Einfluss von Berufsgruppe und Erfahrung auf die Einschätzung bei Fragen der Schuldfähigkeit im Zusammenhang mit paraphilen Störungen festgestellt werden. Die Anwendung von Kriterienkatalogen kann möglicherweise unabhängig von einschlägigen Vorerfahrungen im Bereich der Schuldfähigkeitsbegutachtung einen substanziellen Teil zur Vorhersageleistung beitragen, ist jedoch nicht als alleinige Beurteilungsquelle anzusehen.