bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, characterization and stress-testing of a robust quillaja saponin stabilized oil-in-water phytocannabinoid nanoemulsion
Authors: Banerjee Abhinandan , Binder Justin , Salama Rayan , Trant John F.
Published: September 2021

Background

This study describes the design, optimization, and stress-testing of a novel phytocannabinoid nanoemulsion generated using high-pressure homogenization. $\text {QNaturale}^{\circledR }$

QNaturale

Ⓡ

, a plant-derived commercial emulsifier containing quillaja saponin, was used to stabilize the lipid phase droplets in water. Stress-testing was performed on this nanoemulsion in order to evaluate its chemical and colloidal stability under the influence of different environmental factors, encompassing both physical and chemical stressors.

Methods

Extensive optimization studies were conducted to arrive at an ideal nanoemulsion formulation. A coarse emulsion containing 16.6 wt% CBD-enriched cannabis distillate and 83.4 wt% carrier (soybean) oil dispersed in 10 wt% $\text {QNaturale}^{\circledR }$

QNaturale

Ⓡ

(1.5 wt% quillaja saponin) solution after 10 homogenization cycles at a pressure of 30,000 psi produced a stable nanoemulsion. This nanoemulsion was then subjected to the stress studies.

Results

The optimized nanoemulsion had an average droplet diameter of ca. 120 nm and average droplet surface ζ potentials of ca. -30 mV. It was imaged and characterized by a variety of protocols. It proved to be stable to droplet agglomeration and phase separation upon storage under ambient conditions for 6 weeks, as well as under a variety of physical stressors such as heat, cold, dilution, and carbonation. pH values ≤2 and moderately high salt concentrations (> 100 mM), however, destabilized the nanoemulsion, eventually leading to phase separation. Cannabis potency, determined by HPLC, was detrimentally affected by any changes in the nanoemulsion phase stability.

Conclusions

Quillaja saponin stabilized cannabidiol(CBD)-enriched nanoemulsions are stable, robust systems even at low emulsifier concentrations, and are therefore significant from both a scientific as well as a commercial perspective.
De-implementation and substitution of clinical care processes: stakeholder perspectives on the transition to primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing for cervical cancer screening
Authors: Hahn Erin E. , Munoz-Plaza Corrine , Altman Danielle E. , Hsu Chunyi , Cannizzaro Nancy T. , Ngo-Metzger Quyen , Wride Patricia , Gould Michael K. , Mittman Brian S. , Hodeib Melissa , Tewari Krishnansu S. , Ajamian Lena H. , Eskander Ramez N. , Tewari Devansu , Chao Chun R.
Published: September 2021

Background

New cervical cancer screening guidelines recommend primary human papillomavirus (HPV) testing for women age 30–65 years. Healthcare organizations are preparing to de-implement the previous recommended strategies of Pap testing or co-testing (Pap plus HPV test) and substitute primary HPV testing. However, there may be significant challenges to the replacement of this entrenched clinical practice, even with an evidence-based substitution. We sought to identify stakeholder-perceived barriers and facilitators to this substitution within a large healthcare system, Kaiser Permanente Southern California.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with clinician, administrative, and patient stakeholders regarding (a) acceptability and feasibility of the planned substitution; (b) perceptions of barriers and facilitators, with an emphasis on those related to the de-implementation/implementation cycle of substitution; and (c) perceived readiness to change. Our interview guide was informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Using a team coding approach, we developed an initial coding structure refined during iterative analysis; the data were subsequently organized thematically into domains, key themes, and sub-themes using thematic analysis, followed by framework analysis informed by CFIR.

Results

We conducted 23 interviews: 5 patient and 18 clinical/administrative. Clinicians perceived that patients feel more tests equals better care, and clinicians and patients expressed fear of missed cancers (“…it’ll be more challenging convincing the patient that only one test is…good enough to detect cancer.”). Patients perceived practice changes resulting in “less care” are driven by the desire to cut costs. In contrast, clinicians/administrators viewed changing from two tests to one as acceptable and a workflow efficiency (“…It’s very easy and half the work.”). Stakeholder-recommended strategies included focusing on the increased efficacy of primary HPV testing and developing clinician talking points incorporating national guidelines to assuage “cost-cutting” fears.

Conclusions

Substitution to replace an entrenched clinical practice is complex. Leveraging available facilitators is key to ease the process for clinical and administrative stakeholders—e.g., emphasizing the efficiency of going from two tests to one. Identifying and addressing clinician and patient fears regarding cost-cutting and perceived poorer quality of care is critical for substitution. Multicomponent and multilevel strategies for engagement and education will be required.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, #NCT04371887
Preserving Holocaust history: Geophysical investigations at the Ponary (Paneriai) extermination site
Authors: McClymont Alastair F. , Bauman Paul D. , Freund Richard A. , Seligman Jon , Jol Harry M. , Reeder Philip , Bensimon Ken , Vengalis Rokas
Published: September 2021

Holocaust mass grave sites in eastern Europe can be difficult to investigate due to a paucity of historical documentation relating to the events and because the use of traditional invasive archaeology methods raises concerns around the disturbance of the remains of Jewish people. When combined with other lines of evidence, including historic photos and eyewitness testimony, noninvasive geophysical methods help to effectively identify and demarcate buried features at Holocaust sites, limiting unnecessary excavations. Between 1941 and 1944, as many as 100,000 people were murdered at the Ponary (Paneriai) extermination site in Lithuania, but many critical details of the site layout during this period are still to be resolved, including the location of some of the mass graves and confirmation of an escape tunnel that was used by slave laborers to escape captivity and certain death at the site. At Ponary, a combination of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profiling, limited ground-penetrating radar data, and bare-earth elevation data (from a light and distance ranging data set) was used to confirm the location of a large unmarked mass grave with a diameter of approximately 25 m and depth of approximately 4 m. Additional ERT profiling at a second location imaged the entrance to an escape tunnel previously uncovered by an archaeological excavation in 2004, and it detected an approximately 5 m section of the continuation of the tunnel, approximately 33 m away from the tunnel entrance. The geophysical results are supported by evidence from limited archaeological excavations, historical photographs, eyewitness descriptions of the site layout, and testimonies from the few survivors who managed to escape Ponary.
Hypoadrenalism as the Single Presentation of Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Type 1
Authors: Nasser Nadim H , Samra Nadra G , Naccache Deeb D
Published: September 2021

Type 1 autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS1) is a rare hereditary disease affecting nearly 600 patients worldwide. The first of its cardinal manifestations, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, hypoparathyroidism, or Addison’s disease, presents in childhood. Additional nonclassical landmarks of APS1 continue to develop as late as the fifth decade of life. Two thirds of patients develop the full triad before 25 years of age. Only 20% of patients develop the entire triad simultaneously. Addison’s disease is rarely reported as the first manifestation. According to APS1 classifications, restricted criteria for a single cardinal component, although elements of suspicion are not sufficient to diagnose APS1. This case report is peculiar as hypoadrenalism was the first and only manifestation of APS1 for nearly 3 decades since its diagnosis. Theoretically, exceptions from the protocol of APS1 diagnostic criteria would be recognized as acceptable for diagnosis in the future, when similar case reports of only 1 component of APS1 appear.
Topical ozonated virgin coconut oil improves wound healing and increases HSP90α, VEGF-A, EGF, bFGF, and CD34 in diabetic ulcer mouse model of wound healing
Authors: Yuniati Renni , Subchan Prasetyowati , Riawan Wibi , Khrisna Matthew Brian , Restiwijaya Maryam , Dyan Kusumaningrum Niken Safitri , Nur Muhammad
Published: September 2021

Background: Diabetes is a disease that affects people worldwide, including in Indonesia. The prevalence of diabetes in Indonesia is increasing from year to year. One of the most devastating complications of diabetes mellitus is diabetic ulcers, which is a limb-threatening complication. Over the past few decades, ozone generated using plasma medical technology has been investigated as an agent that helps wound healing. This study aims to evaluate the effects of topical ozonated virgin coconut oil (VCO) in a diabetic wound mouse model.

Methods: This study was an experimental study with a post-test control design. An ulcer wound model was made in 50 diabetic male Wistar mice, divided into five groups, and a control group of 10 non-diabetic mice. The control groups were given conventional therapy only and the treatment groups were also given topical ozonated VCO with different flow durations (0 min, 90 min, 7 h, 14 h). Macroscopic appearance and wound contraction were observed. HSP90β, VEGF-A, EGF, bFGF, and CD34 levels were measured from the immunostained slices of wound margins.

Results: The reduction of wound length was proportionally related to the duration of ozone flow. Ozonated VCO with a longer duration of ozone flow healed the wound more quickly and had the shortest wound length. VCO with ozone flow for 14 hours (16837.10 µm) had the biggest reduction in wound length compared to other groups. The wounds treated with ozonated VCO showed an increase in HSP90β, VEGF-A, EGF, bFGF, and CD34 levels that correlated to improved wound healing. A longer period of treatment resulted in higher levels of wound healing biomarkers compared to shorter therapeutic durations.

Conclusions: Topical ozonated VCO improved the wound healing process in a diabetic ulcer mouse model by improving macroscopic wound appearance and increasing levels of wound healing biomarkers.
The in vitro direct mycobacterial growth inhibition assay (MGIA) for the early evaluation of TB vaccine candidates and assessment of protective immunity: a protocol for non-human primate cells
Authors: Tanner Rachel , Hoogkamer Emily , Bitencourt Julia , White Andrew , Boot Charelle , Sombroek Claudia C. , Harris Stephanie A. , O'Shea Matthew K. , Wright Daniel , Wittenberg Rachel , Sarfas Charlotte , Satti Iman , Verreck Frank A.W. , Sharpe Sally A. , Fletcher Helen A. , McShane Helen
Published: September 2021

The only currently available approach to early efficacy testing of tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidates isin vivopreclinical challenge models. These typically include mice, guinea pigs and non-human primates (NHPs), which must be exposed to virulentM.tbin a ‘challenge’ experiment following vaccination in order to evaluate protective efficacy. This procedure results in disease development and is classified as ‘Moderate’ in severity under EU legislation and UK ASPA licensure. Furthermore, experiments are relatively long and animals must be maintained in high containment level facilities, making them relatively costly. We describe anin vitroprotocol for the direct mycobacterial growth inhibition assay (MGIA) for use in the macaque model of TB vaccine development with the aim of overcoming some of these limitations. Importantly, using anin vitroassay in place ofin vivo M.tbchallenge represents a significant refinement to the existing procedure for early vaccine efficacy testing. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell and autologous serum samples collected from vaccinated and unvaccinated control animals are co-cultured with mycobacteria in a 48-well plate format for 96 hours. Adherent monocytes are then lysed to release intracellular mycobacteria which is quantified using the BACTEC MGIT system and colony-forming units determined relative to an inoculum control and stock standard curve. We discuss related optimisation and characterisation experiments, and review evidence that the direct NHP MGIA provides a biologically relevant model of vaccine-induced protection. The potential end-users of the NHP MGIA are academic and industry organisations that conduct the assessment of TB vaccine candidates and associated protective immunity using the NHP model. This approach aims to provide a method for high-throughput down-selection of vaccine candidates going forward toin vivoefficacy testing, thus expediting the development of a more efficacious TB vaccine and offering potential refinement and reduction to the use of NHPs for this purpose.
A whole genome atlas of 81 Psilocybe genomes as a resource for psilocybin production.
Authors: McKernan Kevin , Kane Liam , Helbert Yvonne , Zhang Lei , Houde Nathan , McLaughlin Stephen
Published: September 2021

The Psilocybe genus is well known for the synthesis of valuable psychoactive compounds such as Psilocybin, Psilocin, Baeocystin and Aeruginascin. The ubiquity of Psilocybin synthesis in Psilocybe has been attributed to a horizontal gene transfer mechanism of a ~20Kb gene cassette. A recently published highly contiguous reference genome derived from long read single molecule sequencing has underscored interesting variation in this Psilocybin synthesis gene cassette. This reference genome has also enabled the shotgun sequencing of spores from many Psilocybe strains to better catalog the genomic diversity in the Psilocybin synthesis pathway. Here we present the de novo assembly of genomes of 81 Psilocybe genomes compared to the P.envy reference genome. Surprisingly, the genomes of Psilocybe galindoi, Psilocybe tampanensis and Psilocybe azurescens lack sequence coverage over the previously described Psilocybin synthesis pathway but do demonstrate amino acid sequence homology to an alternative pathway and may illuminate previously proposed convergent evolution of Psilocybin synthesis.
University-Industry R&D Alliances – An Exploration of Alliance Capabilities Measures
Authors: Kamaruzaman Nabilah , Asmawi Arnifa , Chew Kok Wai
Published: September 2021

Background: Alliance capabilities studies have long emerged since the 1990s, focusing mainly on firm-to-firm collaboration. However, research on university-industry alliances only emerged from the 2000s. Alliance capabilities are portrayed as a crucial condition to achieve the targeted collaboration outcomes and sustainable relationships. As most alliance capabilities studies focus on firm-to-firm collaboration, research on university-industry research and development (R&D) alliance is still scarce. Thus, the measurement items for alliance capabilities in the university-industry R&D context are still under-developed. Thus, to investigate how alliance capabilities affect university-industry R&D performance in Malaysia, the relevant measures must first be defined. This paper intends to properly define the measurement items for alliance capabilities in the context of university-industry R&D alliances.

Methodology: The alliance capabilities measures are adapted from various literature to accommodate both university and industry perspectives. In finalizing the measurement, in-depth pre-testing was conducted by five strategic management subject matter experts in ensuring face and content validity.

Results: There are three alliance capability dimensions. The first dimension is alliance management capability which includes goal setting, process configuration, alliance structure, coordination, management support, and alliance evaluation. The second dimension is alliance integration capability which incorporates relational capabilities, inter-organizational communication, relational capital, and project team effectiveness. The third is alliance learning capability which measures alliance experience, knowledge articulation, knowledge sharing, knowledge codification, internalization, and relationship learning. Although this study successfully develops a set of measurement items for alliance capabilities in university-industry R&D, further statistical analysis is required to test this scale.

Conclusion: To date, quantitative measurement items for alliance capabilities in the context of university-industry R&D alliances are still at the infancy stage. Although the measurements are yet to be statistically analyzed, they can be used as a benchmark for future university-industry R&D alliances studies.
Children as innovators: harnessing the creative expertise of children to address practical and psychosocial challenges of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic – COVISION study protocol
Authors: McAneney Helen , Shier Harry , Gibbs Lisa , Davies Carmel , De Brún Aoife , Tisdall Kay M. , Corrigan Carmel , Kelly Ayrton , Owens Jacinta , Okoli Onyinye , Wall Tracey , Alves Hayda , Kongats Krystyna , Krishna Revathi N. , Sheppard-LeMoine Debbie , Wagner Fernando A. , Wang Jieh-Jiuh , Mutch Carol , Kroll Thilo , Somanadhan Suja
Published: September 2021

Background:We are currently in a period of transition, from the pre-COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) era and the initial reactive lockdowns, to now the ongoing living with and potentially the after COVID-19 period. Each country is at its own individual stage of this transition, but many have gone through a period of feeling adrift; disconnected from normal lives, habits and routines, finding oneself betwixt and between stages, similar to that of liminality. Children and young people have been particularly affected.

Aim:To increase the understanding of home and community-based strategies that contribute to children and young people’s capacity to adjust to societal changes, both during and after pandemics. Moreover, to identify ways in which children’s actions contribute to the capacity of others to adjust to the changes arising from the pandemic. The potential for these activities to influence and contribute to broader social mobilisation will be examined and promoted.

Research design:To achieve the aim of this study, a participatory health research approach will be taken. The overarching theoretical framework of the COVISION study is that of liminality. The study design includes four work packages: two syntheses of literature (a rapid realist review and scoping review) to gain an overview of the emerging international context of evidence of psychosocial mitigations and community resilience in pandemics, and more specifically COVID-19; qualitative explorationof children and young people’s perspective of COVID-19viacreative outlets and reflections; and participatory learning and action through co-production.
Sedentary behaviour levels in adults with an intellectual disability: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lynch Louise , McCarron Mary , McCallion Philip , Burke Eilish
Published: September 2021

Background: Sedentary behaviour (SB), which is characterised by low levels of energy expenditure, has been linked to increased cardio-metabolic risks, obesity and mortality, as well as cancer risk. No firm guidelines are established on safe levels of SB. Adults with an intellectual disability (ID) have poorer health than their counterparts in the general population with higher rates of multi-morbidity, inactivity, and obesity. The reasons for this health disparity are unclear however it is known that SB and overall inactivity contribute to poorer health. There is no clear picture of the levels of SB among individuals with ID therefore SB levels in this vulnerable population need to be examined. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the prevalence of sedentary behaviour in adults with an ID.  

Methods: The PRISMA-P framework was applied to identify high quality articles. An extensive search was carried out in four databases and grey literature sources . In total, 1,972 articles were retrieved of which 48 articles went forward for full review after duplicate removal and screening by title and abstract. The National Institute of Health’s quality assessment tools were used to assess article quality. Two reviewers independently assessed each article. An excel spreadsheet was created to guide the data extraction process. The final review included 25 articles. A meta-analysis was completed using REVMAN.  

Results: Different SB assessment types were identified in studies. These included steps, time, questionnaires, and screen time. Studies were heterogeneous. Observed daily steps per individual ranged from 44 to above 30,000, with an average of approximately 6,500 steps. Mean daily time spent in SBs was more than 60% of available time, with observed screen time of more than 3 hours. 

Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of SB in adults with an intellectual disability. 

 [Registration no: Index CRD42020177225].
Ethyl lactate production by reactive distillation – optimization of reaction kinetics and energy efficiency
Authors: Stipsitz Peter , Mandl Michael , Harasek Michael
Published: September 2021

Background: Ethyl lactate is an environmentally benign solvent, which could substitute petrol-based volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in many applications if production costs are reduced. It is usually produced by the esterification of lactic acid with ethanol – two important chemical building blocks of biorefineries that are available at industrial scale. Reactive distillation is a promising alternative production process, which utilises process intensification to increase energy efficiency and space-time yield by enhancing the reaction kinetics.

Methods: In this work, process intensification of ethyl lactate production by means of distillation was analysed with special focus on the efficient separation of water. Different setups were evaluated. The feedstock requirements were studied and the process was optimized regarding reaction kinetics in experiments on laboratory level. The preparation of anhydrous starting mixtures for ethyl lactate formation was tested in batch experiments and applied to reactive distillation. The simultaneous distillation was optimized and assessed for its energy efficiency. For this purpose, integrated reactive distillation was compared to a simple setup for distillation enhanced esterification.

Results: It was found that an optimized serial setup of reactors and distillation steps can offer similar process intensification at a lower distillate rate compared to simultaneous reactive distillation and is therefore more energy efficient. Moreover, the serial setup is more flexible and straight-forward to regulate and scale-up.

Conclusions: Based on the experimental results, the optimal setup and parameters of a continuous process for ethyl lactate production by distillation enhanced esterification was presented.
Stosunek Polaków do przyjmowania uchodźców przed i w warunkach europejskiego kryzysu migracyjnego
Authors: Głowiak Krzysztof
Published: September 2021

Artykuł zwraca uwagę na to, że europejski kryzys migracyjny wywołał w Polsce istotne zmiany nastrojów społecznych, polegające na wzroście postaw niechęci i wrogości wobec migrantów spoza Europy. Państwa Europy Zachodniej, poddane od wielu dekad procesom wielokulturowości, są skłonne do przyjmowania imigrantów i integracji, podczas gdy w Polsce temat jest trudny ze względu na brak codziennych kontaktów Polaków z przedstawicielami państw spoza Europy, co powoduje zwiększony poziom obaw oraz zmniejsza szansę asymilacji przybyszów z zagranicy.
The microbiota of the vulva and vagina: Ways of washing to optimise the protective function of the vulvo-vaginal microbiota during pregnancy
Authors: Banga Louise
Published: September 2021

Background: The microbiota of the vulva and vagina has a crucial protective function, which is important for all women and has particular significance in pregnancy. Yet this microbiota is part of a delicately balanced ecosystem, susceptible to extrinsic factors which include the simple matter of how women wash themselves. Clinical observation and anecdotal evidence indicate that women in Aotearoa New Zealand have washing practices that may compromise the naturally acidic vulvo-vaginal environment crucial to optimising the protective function of the microbiota. Aims: The aims of this review are: to determine if there is dissonance between how women are washing their vulva and vagina and recommended washing practices; and to raise awareness of the emerging significance of the vulvo-vaginal microbiota to women’s health, particularly in pregnancy. Method: A literature review was undertaken to discover what is reported (in the published literature) about the ways women wash themselves, products used, and their effect on the vulvo-vaginal microbiota. The evidence behind the “wash with water” recommendation was investigated. Findings: There is a lack of primary research on ways of vaginal washing used by women in Aotearoa New Zealand. Globally, women are routinely using a variety of products that include soap, anti-bacterial wipes, gels and baby wipes, and invasive vaginal washing practices such as douching, flannel scrubs and internal soap cleansing. All washing products, including gentle soap but excluding lactic-acid based gels, alter pH levels when used on either the vulva or the vagina. Washing practices that alter vaginal pH levels can cause a microbial shift into a sub-optimal state that compromises the protective function of the vulvo-vaginal microbiota and is more susceptible to bacterial vaginosis and group B streptococcus vaginal colonisation. The frequency and duration within suboptimal states may be predictors of risk. Conclusion: There is dissonance between the ways women wash their vulva and vagina, and evidence-based advice to just wash with water. The back-to-basics message “just wash with water” promotes a way of washing that optimises the protective function of the vulvo-vaginal microbiota, while also protecting the integrity of vulval skin, and supporting physiological self-cleaning of the vagina.
An Epidermoid Cyst along the Sensory Branch of Digital Nerve with Focal Neuropathy: A Case Report
Authors: Oh Sang Ho , Choi Su Hyun , Kim Young Woo
Published: September 2021

An epidermoid cyst is a slow-growing benign neoplasm that commonly occurs in the hand. Herein, we report a rare case of an epidermoid cyst with focal neuropathy in the left ring finger of a 38-year-old woman. Preoperatively, the patient complained of erythema, swelling, and paresthesia on her fingertips. On ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, ulnar digital nerve thickening and inflammation around the nerve were observed, and a neurogenic tumor-like schwannoma was expected. An excisional biopsy with neurectomy of the involved sensory branch of the ulnar digital nerve was performed under brachial plexus block. During the operation, there is such an uncommon morphology, yellowish debris under the epineurium of the ulnar digital nerve sensory branch was involved with the epidermoid cyst and seemed to be propagating along the sensory branch from the skin surface. After the operation, the paresthesia and swelling resolved. Over the 6-month follow-up in the outpatient clinic, no complications and recurrences occurred. Thus, we reported a rare intraneural epidermoid cyst (occurred along the digital nerve) in the finger, and we believe that considering the anatomical characteristics and the surrounding structures is important during mass excision.
Coping with Spatial Mismatch: Subsidy Design for Electric Vehicle and Charging Markets
Authors: Zhang Wei , Dou Yifan
Published: September 2021

Problem definition: We study how the government should design the subsidy policy to promote electric vehicle (EV) adoptions effectively and efficiently when there might be a spatial mismatch between the supply and demand of charging piles. Academic/practical relevance: EV charging infrastructures are often built by third-party service providers (SPs). However, profit-maximizing SPs might prefer to locate the charging piles in the suburbs versus downtown because of lower costs although most EV drivers prefer to charge their EVs downtown given their commuting patterns and the convenience of charging in downtown areas. This conflict of spatial preferences between SPs and EV drivers results in high overall costs for EV charging and weak EV adoptions. Methodology: We use a stylized game-theoretic model and compare three types of subsidy policies: (i) subsidizing EV purchases, (ii) subsidizing SPs based on pile usage, and (iii) subsidizing SPs based on pile numbers. Results: Subsidizing EV purchases is effective in promoting EV adoptions but not in alleviating the spatial mismatch. In contrast, subsidizing SPs can be more effective in addressing the spatial mismatch and promoting EV adoptions, but uniformly subsidizing pile installation can exacerbate the spatial mismatch and backfire. In different situations, each policy can emerge as the best, and the rule to determine which side (SPs versus EV buyers) to subsidize largely depends on cost factors in the charging market rather than the EV price or the environmental benefits. Managerial implications: A “jigsaw-piece rule” is recommended to guide policy design: subsidizing SPs is preferred if charging is too costly or time consuming, and subsidizing EV purchases is preferred if charging is sufficiently fast and easy. Given charging costs that are neither too low nor too high, subsidizing SPs is preferred only if pile building downtown is moderately more expensive than pile building in the suburbs.
AJUSTE DE DISTRIBUIÇÕES WEIBULL TRI-PARAMÉTRICAS COM ELEVADAS ASSIMETRIAS NA GERAÇÃO DE VELOCIDADES MENSAIS DE VENTOS CORRELACIONADAS COM VAZÕES NA PROGRAMAÇÃO DINÂMICA DUAL ESTOCÁSTICA
Authors: Geber de Melo Albert Cordeiro , P. Maceira Maria Elvira , M. Pessanha José F.
Published: September 2021

Propõe-se uma abordagem para a modelagem de velocidades mensais de ventos por meio de distribuições Weibull tri-paramétricas, na geração de cenários de ventos mensais correlacionados com vazões às usinas hidroelétricas, em um esquema de Programação Dinâmica Dual Estocástica. A velocidade dos ventos é modelada como uma regressão das afluências mais um resíduo. Assim, a distribuição Weibull é ajustada aos resíduos das velocidades mensais de ventos, correlacionados e normalmente distribuídos, que também considera as correlações cruzadas entre as vazões às hidroelétricas e as velocidades do vento dos parques eólicos. O algoritmo proposto parte de um valor inicial para a estimativa do parâmetro posição, o qual pode ser obtido através de regressões lineares, calcula estimativas dos outros parâmetros por meio do método dos momentos e, de forma iterativa, atualiza a estimativa inicial com vistas a reduzir a diferença entre as assimetrias das velocidades de ventos sintéticas (geradas) e históricas. A metodologia proposta foi aplicada a parques eólicos do Nordeste e Sul do Brasil em diversas situações, incluindo assimetrias elevadas, e o seu desempenho foi superior a 17 outros métodos. A abordagem proposta é geral, e pode ser utilizada em outras aplicações.
Conflitualidade ambiental em São Carlos/Sp: mapeamento como diagnóstico e subsídio ao planejamento de políticas públicas municipais
Authors: Nunes de Sousa Isabel Cristina , Maran de Oliveira Celso
Published: September 2021

Identificar, quantificar e localizar espacialmente conflitos ambientais na esfera municipal possibilita a condução dos resultados para o planejamento de políticas públicas baseadas em diagnósticos provenientes de informações empíricas, com enfoque nas causas das perturbações ambientais. No presente estudo, a conflitualidade ambiental de um município paulista de médio porte (São Carlos/SP) é analisada, no intuito de subsidiar o planejamento ambiental municipal. Os danos identificados foram quantificados, tipificados e correlacionados com apontamentos da literatura científica sobre o histórico de intervenções antrópicas e as fragilidades ambientais da área de estudo. Foi feita caracterização da distribuição de conflitos ambientais institucionalizados no período 2006-2016. Dados primários coletados, provenientes de Inquéritos Civis instaurados e conduzidos pelo Ministério Público do Estado de São Paulo, foram organizados e analisados por meio de uma abordagem quanti-qualitativa, com análises exploratórias, pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, além de mapeamento e espacialização dos conflitos no território são-carlense. Pôde-se constatar uma diminuição da cobertura vegetal original; degradação ambiental em função da poluição; e recorrentes danos à fauna silvestre. Foi averiguada uma notável concentração de conflitos na área central da parte urbanizada do município.
Análise da "dark store" sob a perspectiva do direito urbanístico
Authors: Nobre Julia Macedo Nogueira , Vita Jonathan Barros
Published: September 2021

Este trabalho tem por objetivo analisar o conceito de dark store e sua influência no direito urbanístico, identificando as externalidades que esse tipo de empresa pode trazer e as possíveis formas de diminuir seus efeitos para a cidade em que será instalada, visando à compatibilização do desenvolvimento sócio-econômico-ambiental. Foi utilizado o método dedutivo, com pesquisa bibliográfica. Primeiramente, analisou-se o conceito de dark store sob o sistema de referência da análise econômica do direito; após, observou-se o Estatuto da Cidade e do Plano Diretor na defesa do direito urbanístico para, em seguida, verificar a influência da dark store no direito urbanístico e examinar as normas - expressas no Estatuto da Cidade - que aludem a esse tipo de empresa. A pesquisa revelou que as dark stores influenciam no direito urbanístico, pois provocam aumento do tráfego, poluição sonora, saturação da infraestrutura de energia elétrica e telefonia, aumento da criminalidade, além da redução do valor das propriedades adjacentes. O Estatuto da Cidade e o Plano Diretor analisados possuem instrumentos capazes de diminuir as externalidades negativas da instalação das dark stores no ambiente urbano, tais como o estudo de impacto de vizinhança, o estudo de impacto ambiental e o zoneamento ambiental.
Produção sobre a assistência pré-natal nas dissertações e teses das ciências da saúde: estudo bibliométrico
Authors: Pereira Juliana De Castro Nunes , Galindo Neto Nelson Miguel , Sá Guilherme Guarino de Moura , Gerônimo Caique Alberto de Oliveira , Gomes Mariana Ferreira da Silva , Caminha Maria De Fátima Costa
Published: September 2021

Objetivo: descrever a produção científica brasileira das dissertações e teses das ciências da saúde acerca da assistência pré-natal no Brasil. Método: estudo bibliométrico das produções disponibilizadas no Portal de Teses e Dissertações da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior. Foram aplicadas as Leis de Lotka, Bradford e Zipf e estatística descritiva. Resultados: das 864 produções incluídas, 682 (78,9%) eram dissertações, a maioria produzida na região Sudeste (44,6%), por autores enfermeiros (45,7%), orientadores médicos (39,9%) e enfermeiros (32,5%). Predominaram estudos descritivo-exploratórios (75%), com abordagem quantitativa (64%), que investigaram a assistência/avaliação pré-natal (25%), com as gestantes como população (66%) e a Unidade Básica de Saúde como principal cenário (50,8%). A palavra-chave mais frequente foi cuidado pré-natal. Conclusão: observou-se a predominância de estudos do tipo descritivo, quantitativos, oriundos das regiões Sudeste e Sul, nível de evidência 6.
Evaluation of pro-angiogenic properties of an inorganic silica gel fibre fleece
Authors: Grotheer Vera , Windolf Joachim , Suschek Christoph V
Published: September 2021

Hard-to-heal wounds represent an increasing health and economic burden on society. At present, therapy options for hard-to-heal wounds are often unsatisfactory, and the development of more effective wound treatments is urgently needed. We have shown that orthosilicic acid-releasing silica fibre fleece (SIFIB), via its pronounced anti-inflammatory properties, exhibited a significantly enhanced effect on wound closure kinetics in a porcine wound model in vivo. In this present study, we have examined in vitro the impact of the pro-angiogenic potential of SIFIB. Using an in vitro angiogenesis assay we describe for the first time how an inorganic biodegradable silica-based material significantly improved endothelial microvessel-like structure formation. We further demonstrate that the molecular mechanism of this pro-angiogenic activity of SIFIB is based on a significantly increased and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α-dependent VEGF protein expression. In conclusion, due to its positive effects on angiogenesis, our results further indicate that decomposition products of silica-based biodegradable inorganic materials might represent very relevant therapeutic components of modern wound dressings for the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds.
Separating the Theological Sheep from the Philosophical Goats
Authors: Rutledge Jonathan Curtis
Published: September 2021

Andrew Torrance has recently argued that we can distinguish analytic theology from analytic philosophy of religion if we understand theology as, fundamentally, a scientific enterprise. However, this distinction holds only if philosophy of religion is not itself a science in the sense intended by Torrance. I argue that philosophy of religion is a science in this sense, and so, that Torrance cannot distinguish theology from philosophy of religion in the way suggested. Nevertheless, I offer two alternative routes to the distinction based on the nature of the respective objects of study in theology and philosophy of religion. Thus, I demonstrate that there is a coherent model available to Torrance which preserves the distinction he seeks.
The point is to change it: connecting research to policy and practice
Authors: Alderson Priscilla
Published: September 2021

The final chapter begins with epidemics in Africa and Asia, then considers challenges to health and illness research, and ways forward. Disconnections in theory, policy and practice are contrasted with the connections that need to be made in theory and practice if pandemics, climate change and other global threats to health are to be contained. Contradictory social science theories all need to be connected and combined, like medical science, into a larger coherent critical realist framework that goes beyond describing and measuring.
The detailed example is about contested understandings of mental distress within neoliberal reform of community mental health services. Eight commitments for useful health research are followed by methods for Utopian research about future change.
Gridlock
Authors: Kitchin Rob
Published: September 2021

This chapter charts the data journeys and transformations that take place across the network of cameras, sensors, and software that makes up a traffic control system. It details a story when Travista, the traffic control system, encountered some problem which resulted in the Dutch Prime Minister's car being stuck in traffic. Instantaneously and continuously, Travista gathered and processed thousands of data points from inductive loops embedded in the surface of the road, cameras and radar scanners mounted on poles, and transponders fixed on buses, pinging them in packets across a dedicated intranet to a central server. There, the packets were re-joined and fed into a database, more valuable derived data produced, and raw and transitory data deleted. Travista imported the derived data and used them to calculate how best to optimize traffic flow and balance competing demands by synchronizing the timing of signal cycles and phases of the traffic lights at three levels: a single intersection, a subsystem, and across the entire system, where a subsystem was a group of closely related junctions sited around at least one critical intersection. At the same time, it was possible to converse with Travista; to suggest alternatives and tweak how Travista functioned. However, like every sentient being, Travista occasionally got confused or overwhelmed. The result was several subsystems becoming overloaded with traffic causing system-wide congestion.
When a Country Ignores Its Own Data
Authors: Kitchin Rob
Published: September 2021

This chapter evaluates the benefits of evidence-informed policy over anecdote through an account of the financial crash in Ireland and the effect of creating public data stories. If politicians, policy makers, local government, the banks and property developers had paid proper attention to the data, the crash may not have happened, or at least might have had a softer landing. Instead, the data were ignored. The census data showed that all the way through the boom, vacancy rates were increasing, housing completions were running way ahead of household increase, more land was being zoned than could realistically be developed, and land and property prices were overheating. As a consequence, Ireland was still paying the price and continuing to experience a housing crisis. While some oversupply still existed in parts of the country, over a decade of suppressed construction activity and rising population had led to a shortage of housing in the cities and their commuter belts. Moreover, Ireland still has an issue with property data, with some datasets being discontinued, some having quality issues, some released in non-open formats and some still non-existent.
Optical design of an integrated imaging system of optical camera and synthetic aperture radar
Authors: Li Ruichang , Feng Liangjie , Xu Kaijiang , Wang Nan , Fan Xuewu
Published: September 2021

This paper presents an integrated imaging system of optical camera and synthetic aperture radar (SAR). The system can realize 400 nm–900 nm visible and near infrared band and 35 GHz microwave Ka band dual-band imaging. Compared with the single band imaging system, the observation ability and environmental adaptability of the integrated imaging system have been significantly improved. The optical camera shares a common front system with the synthetic aperture radar. After simulation, the average modulation transfer function (MTF) of 50 line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm) of the optical subsystem is 0.47. In addition, a principle prototype with a pupil diameter of 210 mm was developed to verify the performance of synthetic aperture radar antennas. After the experimental test, the SAR radiation pattern simulation results are in good conformity with the measured results, which are in line with the expected results.
Tunable multi-wavelength optofluidic Dammann grating with beam splitting property
Authors: Zhang Hongxia , Zhang Ziling , Song Xiaomin , Zhao Ruoxin , Jia Dagong , Liu Tiegen
Published: September 2021

Dammann grating (DG) is a binary beam splitter. Traditional DG is pure solid and cannot be modulated for different working wavelength. We report a tunable multi-wavelength DG based on a liquid-solid hybrid structure. Two glass plates are bonded by UV adhesive strips, one has a periodic grooves structure made by photoresist, the other has two drilled holes as inlet and outlet, respectively. A microfluidic mixer connected the inlet mixes of two miscible liquids with different flow rates to adjust the refractive index of the mixed liquid entering DG from 1.351 to 1.473. In the experiment, the real-time tunability has shown the DG achieves well beam splitting effect when parameter N is integer, 7 × 7 light spots are arranged in order with good uniformity. For λ = 632.8 nm, spot size uniformity is about 78.38% and power uniformity is ∼71.01%. For λ = 532 nm, the spot size and power uniformity are about 77.17% and 64.32%, respectively. The experiment also demonstrates this DG’s suitability for near-infrared light. This work is the first study of tunable DG based on liquid-solid hybrid structure and possesses special merits as compared to its solid counterpart, such as simple fabrication, tunability and multi-wavelength applicability, which make it have an extensive prospect in optofluidic networks and optical devices.
Low jitter microwave pulse train generation based on an optoelectronic oscillator
Authors: He Ziwen , Li Lingzhi , Zhang Jiejun , Yao Jianping
Published: September 2021

We demonstrate an approach to ultra-short pulse train generation with a low time jitter based on pulse compression of a frequency comb generated by a dual-loop optoelectronic oscillator (OEO). The proposed dual-loop OEO consists of two feedback loops, with one having a long loop length and the other a short loop length. In the long loop, a phase modulator (PM) cascaded with a Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) are employed, and in the short loop, only the MZM is included. Due to the Vernier effect, the use of the dual-loop structure can facilitate mode selection to generate a single-frequency microwave carrier with multiple optical sidebands corresponding to an optical comb. By adjusting the phase relationship between the optical sidebands using a dispersion compensating fiber (DCF), a stable optical pulse train is generated. Thanks to the low phase noise nature of an OEO, the generated pulse train has a low time jitter. The proposed approach is evaluated experimentally. A pulse train with a repetition frequency of 2.023 GHz and a pulse width of 40 ps is generated. The single-sideband (SSB) phase noise of the carrier frequency generated by the OEO is measured to be −118 dBc/Hz at a 10-kHz offset frequency, corresponding to a time jitter of the pulse train of 391.2 fs. The phase noise can be further reduced if an active cavity stabilization mechanism is adopted, enabling further reduction in the time jitter to the order of tens of femtoseconds.
All-fiber gas Raman laser oscillator
Authors: Li Hao , Huang Wei , Pei Wenxi , Zhou Zhiyue , Cui Yulong , Wang Meng , Wang Zefeng
Published: September 2021

Here, we report the first, to the best of our knowledge, all-fiber gas Raman laser oscillator (AFGRLO), which is formed by fusion splicing solid-core fibers and a hydrogen-filled hollow-core photonic crystal fiber, and further introducing fiber Bragg gratings at a Stokes wavelength. Pumping with a homemade 1.54 µm fiber amplifier seeded by a narrow linewidth diode laser, we obtain the maximum output Stokes power of 1.8 W at 1693 nm by rotational stimulated Raman scattering of hydrogen molecules. Due to the involvement of the resonant cavity, the measured Raman threshold is as low as 0.98 W, which has been reduced nearly 20 times, compared with that of the single-pass structure. Moreover, a numerical model of an AFGRLO is established for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, and the simulations agree well with the experimental results. This Letter is significant for the development of fiber gas Raman lasers (FGRLs), particularly for achieving compact CW FGRLs towards the mid-infrared.