bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles: Structural Effects
Authors: Tang Shaoheng , Zheng Jie
Published: May 2018

The increase of antibiotic resistance in bacteria has become a major concern for successful diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases. Over the past few decades, significant progress has been achieved on the development of nanotechnology‐based medicines for combating multidrug resistance in microorganisms. Among this, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) hold great promise in addressing this challenge due to their broad‐spectrum and robust antimicrobial properties. This review illustrates the antibacterial mechanisms of silver nanoparticles and further elucidates how different structural factors including surface chemistry, size, and shape, impact their antibacterial activities, which are expected to promote the future development of more potent silver nanoparticle‐based antibacterial agents.
Activated Electron‐Transport Layers for Infrared Quantum Dot Optoelectronics
Authors: Choi Jongmin , Jo Jea Woong , de Arquer F. Pelayo García , Zhao Yong‐Biao , Sun Bin , Kim Junghwan , Choi Min‐Jae , Baek Se‐Woong , Proppe Andrew H. , Seifitokaldani Ali , Nam Dae‐Hyun , Li Peicheng , Ouellette Olivier , Kim Younghoon , Voznyy Oleksandr , Hoogland Sjoerd , Kelley Shana O. , Lu Zheng‐Hong , Sargent Edward H.
Published: May 2018

Photovoltaic (PV) materials such as perovskites and silicon are generally unabsorptive at wavelengths longer than 1100 nm, leaving a significant portion of the IR solar spectrum unharvested. Small‐bandgap colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are a promising platform to offer tandem complementary IR PV solutions. Today, the best performing CQD PVs use zinc oxide (ZnO) as an electron‐transport layer. However, these electrodes require ultraviolet (UV)‐light activation to overcome the low carrier density of ZnO, precluding the realization of CQD tandem photovoltaics. Here, a new sol–gel UV‐free electrode based on Al/Cl hybrid doping of ZnO (CAZO) is developed. Al heterovalent doping provides a strong n‐type character while Cl surface passivation leads to a more favorable band alignment for electron extraction. CAZO CQD IR solar cell devices exhibit, at wavelengths beyond the Si bandgap, an external quantum efficiency of 73%, leading to an additional 0.92% IR power conversion efficiency without UV activation. Conventional ZnO devices, on the other hand, add fewer than 0.01 power points at these operating conditions.
Hybrid Piezo/Triboelectric‐Driven Self‐Charging Electrochromic Supercapacitor Power Package
Authors: Qin Shanshan , Zhang Qian , Yang Xixi , Liu Mengmeng , Sun Qijun , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: May 2018

The rapid development of personal electronics imposes a great challenge on sustainable and maintenance‐free power supplies. The integration of nanogenerators (NG) and electrochromic supercapacitors (SC) offers a promising solution to efficiently convert mechanical energy to stored electrical energy in a predictable and noticeable manner. In this paper, by integrating hybrid NGs and electrochromic micro‐SCs (µ‐SCs) array, the authors demonstrate a smart self‐charging power package capable of indicating the charging state with color change. The electrochromic µ‐SC employs Ag nanowires/NiO as electrode materials, exhibiting high capacitance (3.47 mF cm−2) and stable cycling performance (80.7% for 10000 cycles). The hybrid NG can produce a high output voltage of 150 V and an enhanced output current of 20 µA to satisfy the self‐charging requirements. The integrated electrochromic µ‐SCs array is capable of self‐charging to 3 V to light up a LED under human palm impact. The charging states can be estimated according to the color differences with the naked eye during the self‐charging process. Moreover, it is possible to design the planar interdigitated electrodes into different shapes according to user demand. The proposed simple and cost‐effective approaches for smart self‐charging power package may pave the way for future intelligent, independent and continuous operation of daily electronics.
Carbon Nitride/Reduced Graphene Oxide Film with Enhanced Electron Diffusion Length: An Efficient Photo‐Electrochemical Cell for Hydrogen Generation
Authors: Peng Guiming , Volokh Michael , Tzadikov Jonathan , Sun Jingwen , Shalom Menny
Published: May 2018

Polymeric carbon nitride (CN) has emerged as a promising semiconductor for energy‐related applications. However, its utilization in photo‐electrochemical cells is still very limited owing to poor electron–hole separation efficiency, short electron diffusion length, and low absorption coefficient. Here the synthesis of a highly porous carbon nitride/reduced graphene oxide (CN‐rGO) film with good photo‐electrochemical properties is reported. The CN‐rGO film exhibits long electron diffusion length and high electrochemical active surface area, good charge separation, and enhanced light‐harvesting properties. The film displays a 20‐fold enhancement of photocurrent density over pristine CN, reaching up to 75 µA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) in an alkaline solution, as well as stability over a wide pH range. Photocurrent measurements with a hole scavenger reveal a photocurrent density of 660 µA cm−2 at 1.23 V versus RHE and a quantum efficiency of 60% at 400 nm, resulting in the production of 0.8 mol h−1 g−1 of hydrogen. The substantial photo‐electrochemical activity enhancement and hydrogen production together with the low price, high electrochemical surface area, long electron diffusion length, stability under harsh condition, and tunable photophysical properties of CN materials open many possibilities for their utilization in (photo)electrochemical and electronic devices.
Harmonious Compatibility Dominates Influence of Side‐Chain Engineering on Morphology and Performance of Ternary Solar Cells
Authors: Kumari Tanya , Lee Sang Myeon , Lee Kyu Cheol , Cho Yongjoon , Yang Changduk
Published: May 2018

A growing number of recent studies have demonstrated the substantial impact of the alkyl side chains on the device performance of organic semiconductors. However, detailed investigation of the effect of side‐chain engineering on the blend morphology and performance of ternary organic solar cells (OSCs) has not yet been undertaken. In this study, the performance of ternary OSCs is investigated in a given poly(4,8‐bis(5‐(2‐ethylhexyl)thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo[1,2‐b;4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl‐alt‐(4‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐3‐fluorothieno[3,4‐b]thiophene‐)‐2‐carboxylate‐2‐6‐diyl)):[6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PTB7‐Th:PC71BM) host set by introducing various small molecule donors (SMDs) with different terminal side‐chain lengths. As expected, the performance of binary OSCs with SMDs depends greatly on the side‐chain length. In contrast, it is observed that all SMD‐based ternary OSCs exhibit almost identical and high power‐conversion efficiencies of 12.0–12.2%. This minor performance variation is attributed to good molecular compatibility between the two donor components, as evidenced by in‐depth electrical and morphological investigations. These results highlight that the alloy‐like structure formed due to the high compatibility of the donor molecules has a more significant effect on the overall performance than the side‐chain length, offering a new guideline for pairing donor components for achieving high‐performance ternary OSCs.
Double‐Shelled NiO‐NiCo2O4 Heterostructure@Carbon Hollow Nanocages as an Efficient Sulfur Host for Advanced Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Hu Linyu , Dai Chunlong , Liu Heng , Li Yi , Shen Bolei , Chen Yuming , Bao Shu‐Juan , Xu Maowen
Published: May 2018

Double‐shelled NiO‐NiCo2O4 heterostructure@carbon hollow nanocages as efficient sulfur hosts are synthesized to overcome the barriers of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries simultaneously. The double‐shelled nanocages can prevent the diffusion of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) effectively. NiO‐NiCo2O4 heterostructure is able to promote polysulfide conversion reactions. Furthermore, the thin carbon layer outside can improve the electrical conductivity during cycling. Besides, such unique double‐shelled hollow nanocage architecture can also accommodate the volumetric effect of sulfur upon cycling. As a result, the prepared S/NiO‐NiCo2O4@carbon (C) electrode exhibits good rate capacities and stable cycling life up to 500 cycles at 0.5 C with a very low capacity decay rate of only ≈0.059% per cycle.
A Multifunctional Chemical Probe for the Measurement of Local Micropolarity and Microviscosity in Mitochondria
Authors: Jiménez‐Sánchez Arturo , Lei Eric K. , Kelley Shana O.
Published: May 2018

The measurement of physicochemical parameters in living cells can provide information on individual cellular organelles, helping us to understand subcellular function in health and disease. While organelle‐specific chemical probes have allowed qualitative evaluation of microenvironmental variations, the simultaneous quantification of mitochondrial local microviscosity (ηm) and micropolarity (ϵm), along with concurrent structural variations, has remained an unmet need. Herein, we describe a new multifunctional mitochondrial probe (MMP) for simultaneous monitoring of ηm and ϵm by fluorescence lifetime and emission intensity recordings, respectively. The MMP enables highly precise measurements of ηm and ϵm in the presence of a variety of agents perturbing cellular function, and the observed changes can also be correlated with alterations in mitochondrial network morphology and motility. This strategy represents a promising tool for the analysis of subtle changes in organellar structure.
Mapping online child safety in Asia and the Pacific
Authors: Singh Rajnesh D.
Published: May 2018

In today's age, the Internet has become essential for children's education and social development. Yet the very same technologies can expose children to online harm, which can negatively impact their well‐being and safety. These risks are becoming more serious as Internet penetration rises, particularly in emerging countries that have limited resources and capacities to tackle complex issues such as online sexual abuse, cyberbullying, and Internet addiction. As research on the entire range of risks that children are exposed to online is limited, particularly in Asia and the Pacific, this study aims to initiate the process of filling this knowledge gap and proposes a set of policy recommendations to address the challenge of balancing children's online opportunities and risks. A key finding from the study is the need for a multistakeholder and collaborative approach to ensure the online safety of children, which must include children themselves.
Die Sanierung des Mariendomdaches in Neviges mit carbonbewehrtem Spritzmörtel
Authors: Rempel Sergej , Erhard Erich , Schmidt Heinz‐Günter , Will Norbert
Published: May 2018

Die deutsche „Architektur‐Ikone des 20. Jahrhunderts“ Gottfried Böhm hat in den 1960er Jahren die Wallfahrtskirche „Maria, Königin des Friedens“ entworfen. Die Form der Kirche gleicht einem großen Faltwerk. Aufgrund der komplizierten und monolithischen Gestalt waren genaue statische Berechnungen unmöglich. Im Laufe der Jahre sind wasserführende Risse aufgetreten. Eine Verpressung mit Mörtel ist wegen der auftretenden Rissbewegungen nicht sinnvoll. Aus diesem Grund wurde ein Instandsetzungskonzept mit carbonbewehrtem Spritzmörtel entwickelt. Der gute Verbund der Textilien zum Mörtel sorgt für eine feine Rissverteilung. Somit wird der breite Riss in viele feine aufgeteilt. Die neue Rissbreite ist danach so fein, dass ein Selbstheilungsprozess stattfinden kann. Dieses Konzept wurde erfolgreich für den ersten Instandsetzungsabschnitt der Sakramentskapelle des Mariendomdaches eingesetzt.
Luminescence properties of nanocrystalline Mg2P2O7:Eu phosphor
Authors: Gupta Karan Kumar , Dhoble Nirupama S. , Burghate Devendra K. , Dhoble Sanjay J.
Published: May 2018

Thermoluminescence (TL) measurements were carried out on europium (Eu) doped magnesium pyrophosphate (Mg2P2O7) nanopowders using gamma irradiation in the dose range of 0.1 to 3 kGy. The powder samples were successfully synthesized by chemical co‐precipitation synthesis route. The formation and crystallinity of the compound was confirmed by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) pattern. The estimated particle size was found to be in nanometer scale by using Debye Scherer's formula. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study was carried out for the morphological characteristics of as synthesized Mg2P2O7:Eu phosphor. Photoluminescence (PL) study was carried out to confirm the presence of the rare‐earth ion and its valence state. The TL analysis of synthesized samples were performed after the irradiation of Mg2P2O7:Eu with cobalt‐60 (60Co) gamma rays. The high and low intensity peaks of TL glow curve appeared at around 400 K, 450 K, 500 K and 596 K respectively. The appreciable shift in peak positions has been observed for different concentrations of Eu ion. The trapping parameters, namely activation energy (E), order of kinetics (b) and frequency factor (s) have been determined using thermal cleaning process, peak shape (Chen's) method and glow curve deconvolution (GCD) functions.
Dual CRISPR‐Cas9 Cleavage Mediated Gene Excision and Targeted Integration in Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Gao Difeng , Smith Spencer , Spagnuolo Michael , Rodriguez Gabriel , Blenner Mark
Published: May 2018

CRISPR‐Cas9 technology has been successfully applied in Yarrowia lipolytica for targeted genomic editing including gene disruption and integration; however, disruptions by existing methods typically result from small frameshift mutations caused by indels within the coding region, which usually resulted in unnatural protein. In this study, a dual cleavage strategy directed by paired sgRNAs is developed for gene knockout. This method allows fast and robust gene excision, demonstrated on six genes of interest. The targeted regions for excision vary in length from 0.3 kb up to 3.5 kb and contain both non‐coding and coding regions. The majority of the gene excisions are repaired by perfect nonhomologous end‐joining without indel. Based on this dual cleavage system, two targeted markerless integration methods are developed by providing repair templates. While both strategies are effective, homology mediated end joining (HMEJ) based method are twice as efficient as homology recombination (HR) based method. In both cases, dual cleavage leads to similar or improved gene integration efficiencies compared to gene excision without integration. This dual cleavage strategy will be useful for not only generating more predictable and robust gene knockout, but also for efficient targeted markerless integration, and simultaneous knockout and integration in Y. lipolytica.
Failure of ceftolozane‐tazobactam salvage therapy in complicated pneumonia with lung abscess
Authors: Lewis Paul O. , Cluck David B. , Tharp Jennifer L. , Krolikowski Matthew A. , Patel Paras D.
Published: May 2018

Key Clinical Message

Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa remains challenging, despite the availability ceftolozane‐tazobactam. We report a treatment failure with ceftolozane‐tazobactam salvage therapy for pneumonia complicated by lung abscess. Drug resistance, dose selection, and source control are possible contributing factors. Ceftolozane‐tazobactam susceptibility testing should precede therapy and consideration should be given to dosing selection.
Adsorption of cobalt(III) by graphene and activated carbon
Authors: Liu Zhen , Zhang Yan‐guo , Han Bing , Tan Zhong‐chao , Li Qing‐hai
Published: May 2018

Graphene and activated carbon were tested as absorbents for the adsorption of cobalt(III) complexes. The SEM and TEM images showed that graphene disperses more evenly and had more uniform spacing of layers than activated carbon. However, the FTIR analysis showed that activated carbon had more characteristic functional groups than graphene. These property differences led to different cobalt(III) adsorption efficiencies. Graphene showed higher adsorption efficiency than activated carbon under identical experimental conditions. For both adsorbents, the adsorption efficiency increased with the increasing mechanical mixing intensity, solution temperature, and absorbent concentration, and decreased with solution pH. Under the conditions tested herein, the adsorption efficiency using graphene could reach more than 95 %.
In Vitro Methods to Characterize the Effects of Tobacco and Nontobacco Products on Human Platelet Function
Authors: Loelius Shannon G. , Spinelli Sherry L. , Lannan Katie L. , Phipps Richard P.
Published: May 2018

In this document, we describe methods for the isolation, treatment, and functional testing of human blood platelets in vitro. Functional assays for inflammatory function include flow cytometry and immunoassays for platelet release of platelet factor 4, soluble CD40L, prostaglandin E2, and thromboxane. Assays for platelet hemostatic function described here examine platelet spreading, aggregation using platelet‐rich plasma, and thromboelastography. Also described here are methods for testing cigarette smoke on primary human platelets in vitro, which our lab developed to address a major knowledge gap regarding how cigarette smoke dysregulates platelets and how this platelet dysregulation contributes to cardiovascular disease. Some of these protocols may be repurposed for investigation of the toxicity potential of other tobacco products and environmental insults. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Positive experiences of high arousal martial arts rituals are linked to identity fusion and costly pro‐group actions
Authors: Kavanagh Christopher M. , Jong Jonathan , McKay Ryan , Whitehouse Harvey
Published: May 2018

A cross‐sectional study was conducted with 605 practitioners of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) to test the hypothesis that high arousal rituals promote social cohesion, primarily through identity fusion.BJJpromotion rituals are rare, highly emotional ritual events that often feature gruelling belt‐whipping gauntlets. We used the variation in such experiences to examine whether more gruelling rituals were associated with identity fusion and pro‐group behaviour. We found no differences between those who had undergone belt‐whipping and those who had not and no evidence of a correlation between pain and social cohesion. However, across the full sample we found that positive, but not negative, affective experiences of promotional rituals were associated with identity fusion and that this mediated pro‐group action. These findings provide new evidence concerning the social functions of collective rituals and highlight the importance of addressing the potentially diverging subjective experiences of painful rituals.
Optimal location of the tablet for typing while listening to a song
Authors: Yoon Jangwhon , Lee Jihyun
Published: May 2018

Tablets are much heavier than smartphones and able to bring more musculoskeletal disorders in the upper extremities. The aim of this study was to understand the effects of tablet location on the recruitment of muscles in the neck and upper extremities. Fifteen healthy volunteers typed the lyrics while listening to a song at three tablet locations for 5 min. An iPad 2 was randomly located at one of the levels with 70, 90, and 130 degrees of elbow flexion in sitting. Typing duration, frequency of typing error, perceived levels of fatigue, and subjective position preferences were recorded and recruitment of muscles in the neck and upper extremities was measured. Muscle recruitment of three parts of the trapezius and biceps brachii decreased and use of the levator scapula increased as the vertical level of the tablet heightened. Self‐reported discomfort increased significantly in the neck, upper back, shoulders, elbows, and wrists over time regardless of the tablet location. The table location affected the self‐reported discomfort only at the elbow joints. Subjective preference was highest at the lowest tablet location with the 130‐degree elbow flexion. The vertical levels of the tablet and typing duration independently affected the muscle recruitment and self‐reported discomfort. Findings of this study can be helpful for tablet users in preventing musculoskeletal disorders in the upper extremities.
Patients' experiences of frequent encounters with a rheumatology nurse—A tight control study including patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sjö Ann‐Sofi , Bergsten Ulrika
Published: May 2018

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that is treated with both pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods. The treatment works well for patients who are knowledgeable about their disease and situation. However, this may be different for others as, among other things, it depends on how well informed the patients are in relation to their condition. Available research primarily focuses on patients in remission. One way of supporting and strengthening the group who experience a lack of well‐being due to their disease and providing them with increased knowledge about their situation can be to give them access to a nurse‐led clinic based on person‐centred care.

Aim

The aim of the study was to describe the experience of patients with RA attending person‐centred, nurse‐led clinics over a 12‐month period.

Methods

A qualitative method was employed to deepen the understanding of the phenomenon. Fifteen participants were interviewed, and the text of the interviews was analysed using the phenomenographic method.

Results

The analysis resulted in three categories that described participants' experiences of their encounters with a nurse. The three categories describe a process with interrelated concepts: first, Encountering competence, followed by Experiencing a sustainable relationship and, finally, Making a personal journey.

Conclusion

Patients with RA who had frequent meetings with a nurse experienced being strengthened on several levels and having gained increased knowledge about their disease. The person‐centred approach made them feel that they had been met on their own level, in accordance with their needs and level of knowledge.
Effects of Financial Incentives on Saving Outcomes and Material Well‐Being: Evidence From a Randomized Controlled Trial in Uganda
Authors: Wang Julia Shu‐Huah , Ssewamala Fred M. , Neilands Torsten B. , Bermudez Laura Gauer , Garfinkel Irwin , Waldfogel Jane , Brooks‐Gunn Jeannie , You Jing
Published: May 2018

The use of savings products to promote financial inclusion has increasingly become a policy priority across sub‐Saharan Africa, yet little is known about how families respond to varying levels of savings incentives and whether the promotion of incentivized savings in low‐resource settings may encourage households to restrict expenditures on basic needs. Using data from a randomized controlled trial in Uganda, we examine: (1) whether low‐income households enrolled in an economic‐empowerment intervention consisting of matched savings, workshops, and mentorship reduced spending on basic needs and (2) how varied levels of matching contributions affected household savings and consumption behavior. We compared primary school‐attending AIDS‐affected children (N = 1,383) randomized to a control condition with two intervention arms with differing savings‐match incentives: 1:1 (Bridges) and 1:2 (Bridges PLUS). We found that: (1) 24 months post‐intervention initiation, children inBridgesandBridges PLUSwere more likely to have accumulated savings than children in the control condition; (2) higher match incentives (Bridges PLUS) led to higher deposit frequency but not higher savings in the bank; (3) intervention participation did not result in material hardship; and (4) in both intervention arms, participating families were more likely to start a family business and diversify their assets.
Efficiency of an air curtain as an anti‐insect barrier: the honey bee as a model insect
Authors: Kairo Guillaume , Pioz Maryline , Tchamitchian Sylvie , Pelissier Michel , Brunet Jean‐Luc , Belzunces Luc P
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Vector‐borne diseases are of high concern for human, animal and plant health. In humans, such diseases are often transmitted by flying insects. Flying insects stop their flight when their kinetic energy cannot compensate for the wind speed. Here, the efficiency of an air curtain in preventing insects from entering a building was studied using the honey bee as a model.

RESULTS

Bees were trained to visit a food source placed in a building. The air curtain was tested with strongly motivated bees, when the visiting activity was very high. Airflow velocity was modulated by setting an air curtain device at different voltages. At the nominal voltage, the anti‐insect efficiency was 99.9 ± 0.2% compared with both the number of bees at a given time in the absence of the air curtain and the number of bees before the activation of the air curtain. The efficiency decreased as the airflow velocity decreased.

CONCLUSION

The results show that an air curtain operating at an airflow velocity of 7.5 m s−1 may prevent a strong flyer with high kinetic energy, such as the honey bee, from entering a building. Thus, air curtains offer an alternative approach for combating vector‐borne diseases. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of Al2O3 on the Melting, Viscosity, and Phosphorus Distribution of CaO–SiO2–Fe2O3–P2O5 Slag System
Authors: Xie Senlin , Wang Wanlin , Pan Zihang , Li Hongchao , Huang Daoyuan , Du Yong
Published: May 2018

An investigation is conducted to study the effect of Al2O3 on the melting, viscosity, and phosphorus distribution of CaO–SiO2–Fe2O3–P2O5 slag system by using Single Hot Thermocouple Technique and rotating cylinder viscometer. The results show that with the addition of Al2O3 content, the melting temperature range of slag system is first reduced and then increased, as the added Al2O3 may react with CaO to form different compounds with varied melting points. The slag viscosity increases with the addition of Al2O3 content, due to the fact that the polymerization degree of the melt slag is getting increased. Besides, the addition of Al2O3 can improve the mass percentage of P2O5 in the solid phase, but it may reduce the dephosphorization capacity of the slag due to the reduction of the total solid phase solution (2CaO · SiO2–n3CaO · P2O5) precipitation. The results of this study can elucidate the effect of Al2O3 on the property of dephosphorization slag and provide guidelines for the new slag design to achieve a better hot metal dephosphorization efficiency.
Development of a real‐time adaptive delta compression algorithm for photoplethysmography system
Authors: Chong Kim Soon , Gan Kok Beng , Zahedi Edmond
Published: May 2018

Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a simple and low‐cost optical technique that measures the blood volume change of the microvascular bed. The multichannel PPG recording system enables researchers to study the characteristics of the PPG signal from multiple body sites. Long‐time, continuous PPG signal monitoring helps doctors in medical diagnosis and treatment. However, the development of the PPG signal acquisition system is limited by storage capacity and computational and hardware capability. Limitation in storage capacity and communication efficiency can be addressed by introducing data compression algorithms. In this paper, a single‐channel, high‐resolution (24‐bit) wireless PPG data acquisition system using Bluetooth connectivity with the adaptive delta compression algorithm is presented. A graphical user interface was developed using MATLAB to interface with the system using a serial port profile. The PPG signals were decompressed and stored in the local hard drive for future analysis. The performance of adaptive data compression algorithm was evaluated with 12 healthy subjects. Results show that the compression ratio achieved is 41.5. The mean percentile root‐mean‐square (RMS) difference at the sampling frequency of 100 Hz is 0.13%. The mean normalized percentile RMS difference value is 9.78%. The system was successfully tested in a continuous acquisition mode for up to 60 min. © 2018 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Teaching English as a Non‐Imperial Language in an Underprivileged Public School in Spain
Authors: Villacañas De Castro Luis S. , Cano Bodi Violeta , Hortelano Montejano Ana
Published: May 2018

This article summarizes the processes and findings of a 2‐year collaborative action research (CAR) project that analyzed and aimed to counteract some of the most negative educational effects of English linguistic imperialism in the field of English language teaching (ELT) and, more concretely, in the context of English as a foreign language education in Spain. The CAR investigated the ramifications of this phenomenon in a primary school located in one of the most disadvantaged neighborhoods in the city of València. The pedagogical alternative it embraced in order to reverse the underlying tenets of ELT under present‐day neoliberal imperialism consisted in combining art and multimodality through a series of projects; a variety of qualitative strategies were used (classroom observation, journal entries, recordings, student interviews, photographs, etc.) to assess its effects. Evidence showed that the three projects developed during the CAR succeeded in offering a worthwhile educational experience and hence a valuable critical alternative to mainstream ELT, one that brought about a change in the way the socially underprivileged students related to the English language.
Adaptive Control
Authors: Frank Steven A.
Published: May 2018

The parameters of a process may be unknown or may change slowly over time. This chapter discusses how one can control a process with unknown parameters. Adaptive methods adjust parameters in response to information about external inputs and system outputs. Adaptive error-correcting techniques often provide a good approach to coping with unknown nonlinear system dynamics.
Time Delays
Authors: Frank Steven A.
Published: May 2018

Delays often occur between an input into a system and the output from that system. Delays complicate dynamics, create system instabilities, and reduce the information that systems can use to respond to the environment. Adjusting for delays often requires systems to predict future states based on past inputs. Error-correcting feedback can enhance a system’s predictions and improve its ability to cope with delays.
Summary
Authors: Frank Steven A.
Published: May 2018

This chapter summarizes the three key topics of feedback, robust control, and design tradeoffs.
Control Theory Dynamics
Authors: Frank Steven A.
Published: May 2018

The mathematics of classical control theory depends on linear ordinary differential equations, which commonly arise in all scientific disciplines. Control theory emphasizes a powerful Laplace transform expression of linear differential equations that helps in the conceptual understanding and analysis of complex systems.
PID Design Example
Authors: Frank Steven A.
Published: May 2018

This chapter continues to develop the example of proportional, integral, and derivative control. The analysis illustrates the classic responses to a step change in input and a temporary impulse perturbation to input. The techniques for analyzing and visualizing dynamics and sensitivities are emphasized, particularly the Bode gain and phase plots.
Regulation
Authors: Frank Steven A.
Published: May 2018

This chapter develops the techniques needed to analyze how quickly a system can return to its setpoint after disturbance. The analysis also considers the design tradeoffs that arise with respect to other measures of performance, such as system stability or responsiveness to a change in setpoint.
Tracking
Authors: Frank Steven A.
Published: May 2018

The previous chapters focused on a system’s ability to reject perturbations and to remain stable with respect to uncertainties. This chapter focuses on a system’s ability to track external changes in the environment or changes in the system’s desired setpoint.
Quantum-induced trans-Planckian energy near horizon
Authors: Nurmagambetov A. J. , Park I. Y.
Published: May 2018

Abstract

We study the loop effects on the geometry and boundary conditions of several black hole spacetimes one of which is time-dependent and analyze the energy measured by an infalling observer near their horizons. The finding in the previous works that the loop effects can be drastic is reinforced: they play an important role in the boundary conditions and non-perturbative geometry deformation. One of the channels through which the quantum gravitational effects enter is generation of the cosmological constant. The cosmological constant feeds part of the time-dependence of a solution. We obtain a transPlanckian energy in the time-dependent case. The importance of time-dependence for the trans-Planckian energy and black hole information is discussed.
SU(2|1) supersymmetric mechanics on curved spaces
Authors: Kozyrev Nikolay , Krivonos Sergey , Lechtenfeld Olaf , Sutulin Anton
Published: May 2018

Abstract

We present SU(2|1) supersymmetric mechanics on n-dimensional Riemannian manifolds within the Hamiltonian approach. The structure functions including prepotentials entering the supercharges and the Hamiltonian obey extended curved WDVV equations specified by the manifold’s metric and curvature tensor. We consider the most general u(2)-valued prepotential, which contains both types (with and without spin variables), previously considered only separately. For the case of real Kähler manifolds we construct all possible interactions. For isotropic (so(n)-invariant) spaces we provide admissible prepotentials for any solution to the curved WDVV equations. All known one-dimensional SU(2|1) supersymmetric models are reproduced.
Gravitation waves from QCD and electroweak phase transitions
Authors: Chen Yidian , Huang Mei , Yan Qi-Shu
Published: May 2018

Abstract

We investigate the gravitation waves produced from QCD and electroweak phase transitions in the early universe by using a 5-dimension holographic QCD model and a holographic technicolor model. The dynamical holographic QCD model is to describe the pure gluon system, where a first order confinement-deconfinement phase transition can happen at the critical temperature around 250 MeV. The minimal holographic technicolor model is introduced to model the strong dynamics of electroweak, it can give a first order electroweak phase transition at the critical temperature around 100-360 GeV. We find that for both GW signals produced from QCD and EW phase transitions, in the peak frequency region, the dominant contribution comes from the sound waves, while away from the peak frequency region the contribution from the bubble collision is dominant. The peak frequency of gravitation wave determined by the QCD phase transition is located around 10−7 Hz which is within the detectability of FAST and SKA, and the peak frequency of gravitational wave predicted by EW phase transition is located at 0.002 – 0.007 Hz, which might be detectable by BBO, DECIGO, LISA and ELISA.
Postneedling Soreness and Tenderness After Different Dosages of Dry Needling of an Active Myofascial Trigger Point in Patients With Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Martín‐Pintado‐Zugasti Aitor , Fernández‐Carnero Josué , León‐Hernández Jose Vicente , Calvo‐Lobo Cesar , Beltran‐Alacreu Hector , Alguacil‐Diego Isabel , Gallego‐Izquierdo Tomás , Pecos‐Martin Daniel
Published: May 2018

Background

Previous studies in asymptomatic subjects have demonstrated that myofascial trigger point (MTrP) dry needling frequently is associated with postneedling soreness. However, to the authors’ knowledge, there is not any study that performs a detailed description of postneedling soreness characteristics in patients with myofascial pain. This information could help clinicians to make evidence‐informed decisions considering the benefits and negative effects of different dry needling dosages.

Objective

To (1) compare the prevalence, intensity, and duration of postneedling soreness and tenderness after different dosages of deep dry needling (DDN) and (2) analyze the influence on postneedling soreness of psychological factors and other factors involved in the DDN process

Design

1‐week follow‐up, double‐blind randomized controlled trial.

Setting

University community.

Participants

Patients (n = 120: 34 male; 86 female) aged 18‐53 years (median ± interquartile range, 21.0 ± 7.0 years) with active MTrPs in the upper trapezius.

Intervention

All patients received DDN in an active MTrP. They were randomly divided into 4 groups: no local twitch responses (LTRs) elicited (control group), 4 LTRs elicited, 6 LTRs elicited, and DDN until no more LTRs were elicited.

Main outcome measures

Postneedling soreness and pressure pain threshold were assessed before treatment, during DDN procedure, and every 24 hours during 1 week.

Results

Postneedling soreness showed a significant effect for time (F2,006 = 173.603; P < .001, ηp2 = 0.659) and a significant interaction between group and time (F6,017 = 3.763; P = .001; ηp2 = 0.111). Pressure pain threshold showed a significant effect for time (F2,377 = 16.833; P < .001; ηp2 = 0.127) and a significant interaction between group and time (F7,130 = 2.100; P = .04; ηp2 = 0.052). Psychological factors did not show relevant correlations with the intensity of postneedling soreness.

Conclusions

Postneedling soreness is present in most of subjects after DDN of active MTrPs. The groups in which DDN was performed eliciting LTRs exhibited greater post‐needling soreness. The number of needle insertions was associated with postneedling soreness but psychological factors did not seem to play a relevant role on its perception.

Clinical trial registration number

NCT02190890

Level of Evidence

I
Specially-Affected States and the Formation of Custom
Authors: Heller Kevin Jon
Published: May 2018

Although the United States has relied on the ICJ's doctrine of specially-affected states to claim that it and other powerful states in the Global North play a privileged role in the formation of customary international law, the doctrine itself has never been systematically developed by the ICJ or by legal scholars. This article fills that lacuna by addressing two questions: (1) what makes a state “specially affected”?; and (2) what is the importance of a state qualifying as “specially affected” for the formation of custom? It concludes that a theoretically coherent understanding of the doctrine would give states in the Global South significant power over custom formation.
The 2017 Judicial Activity of the International Court of Justice
Authors: Gray Christine
Published: May 2018

In 2017 the International Court of Justice (ICJ or Court) made only procedural decisions, one on preliminary objections, one on counterclaims, and two on provisional measures. Three other new applications were made to the Court, all linked to earlier cases: Malaysia applied for the revision, and interpretation, of the judgment in the Pedra Branca/Pulau Batu Puteh case; and Costa Rica brought a case against Nicaragua concerning their land boundary in the area of Los Portillos, the latest in a long line of cases between the two states. Judges Ronny Abraham (France), Dalveer Bhandari (India), Antonio Cançado Trindade (Brazil), and Abdulqawi Yusuf (Somalia) were reelected to the Court, and one new judge, Nawaf Salam (Lebanon) was elected. The UK failed to secure the reelection of its judge, Christopher Greenwood. For the first time since the establishment of the ICJ, the UK will have no judge on the Court. This failure may be taken as an indication of its declining influence in international relations, arguably attributable in part to Brexit, and it marks the end of the convention that each permanent member of the Security Council will have a judge of its nationality on the Court. Nor was the UK able to prevent a request by the UN General Assembly (passed by ninety-four in favor to fifteen against, with sixty-five abstentions) for an Advisory Opinion on the legal consequences of the separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965—a sensitive issue for the UK, and one that has already been the subject of much litigation.
Herpetogasterfrom the early Cambrian of Nevada (Series 2, Stage 4) and its implications for the evolution of deuterostomes
Authors: KIMMIG JULIEN , MEYER RONALD C. , LIEBERMAN BRUCE S.
Published: May 2018

The Pioche Formation of SE Nevada preserves a diverse soft-bodied fauna from the early and middle Cambrian (Series 2–3: Stage 4–5). While the fauna is dominated by arthropods, animals belonging to other taxa can be found. Here we document the first occurrence ofHerpetogaster collinsioutside the Burgess Shale. Further, the specimens are from theNephrolenellus multinodusbiozone and thus represent the oldest occurrence of the species, as well as possibly the earliest soft-bodied deuterostomes in Laurentia.
Safeguarding the Integrity of Judicial Appointments in Malawi: A Proposed Reform Agenda
Authors: Nkhata Mwiza Jo
Published: May 2018

This article focuses on the appointment of judges in Malawi. It explores the constitutional provisions governing judicial appointments and finds that the system established by Malawi's Constitution has manifest weaknesses. For example, the composition of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is narrow and not representative of Malawian society; there are also no procedures for the JSC to follow in its operations. The article argues that the system for appointing judges has a bearing on the eventual character and integrity of the judiciary itself, hence it is important to align it with the constitution's ideals. In conclusion, the article makes recommendations for improving the system, including by broadening the JSC's composition, adopting a law to stipulate clear and transparent procedures for the JSC and also curbing presidential powers in relation to judicial appointments.
Rapid responses against invasive species on islands: lessons from the introduced Barbary ground squirrelAtlantoxerus getulusin the Canary Islands
Authors: Medina Félix M. , López-Darias Marta , Piquet Julien C.
Published: May 2018

Despite efforts to combat invasive species, further measures are still required to prevent their arrival and translocation, especially into biodiverse island ecosystems. Although many governments worldwide have already established protocols to control alien species, the European outermost regions have yet to implement fully effective prevention or rapid response procedures. The numerous translocations of the invasive Barbary ground squirrelAtlantoxerus getuluswithin the Canary Islands illustrate this problem. From 1996 to 2016 at least 2.1 individuals per year have been moved from Fuerteventura to other islands. If movements of these medium-sized vertebrates are taking place regularly, the number of smaller species transported within the archipelago could potentially be greater. We argue that it is essential to implement stricter strategies for invasive species control in these remote biodiversity-rich islands, including early detection and rapid response, to minimize impacts on native biodiversity.
Assessment of Executive Functions in Preschool Children With Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Downes Michelle , Kirkham Fenella J. , Telfer Paul T. , de Haan Michelle
Published: May 2018

Objectives: Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) are commonly reported to experience executive dysfunction. However, the development of executive function (EF) in preschool-age children without stroke in this patient population has not been investigated so it is unclear when and how these deficits emerge. Methods: This case-control study examines the feasibility of assessing the early development of executive functioning in 22 preschool children years with SCA in the domains of processing speed, working memory, attention, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility, as well as everyday function, in comparison to matched control children. Results: A pattern of potential deficits in early emerging executive skills was observed in the domains of inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. Parents reported no differences for everyday EF and no significant differences were observed for working memory and processing speed. Conclusions: Results suggest that deficits in everyday executive difficulties, working memory, and processing speed, as commonly reported for older children with SCA, may not yet have emerged at this early developmental stage, despite specific deficits in cognitive flexibility and inhibitory control on behavioral measures. The feasibility of using available executive measures with preschool age children to characterize the development of early EF skills is discussed. (JINS, 2018, 24, 949–954)
Resistance against the Court of Justice of the European Union
Authors: Hofmann Andreas
Published: May 2018

This contribution reviews different forms of resistance against the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). While backlash is rare, various forms of pushback are more common than accounts of the CJEU's apparent success suggest. It is not uncommon that national policy-makers, administrations and the judiciary fail to comply with individual rulings. Moreover, Member State authorities have developed multiple strategies to limit the practical effect of controversial lines of CJEU case-law. The availability of ‘work-arounds’ that national authorities can live with shields the CJEU against significant backlash. At the same time, the multiple processes of pushback in the Member States lead to an outcome of considerable heterogeneity.
The African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights: mapping resistance against a young court
Authors: Daly Tom Gerald , Wiebusch Micha
Published: May 2018

At first glance, it appears that the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights – the first pan-continental court of the African Union (AU) for human rights protection – epitomises the advances made by international courts in Africa in the past decade. Since its first judgment in 2009, the Court has taken a robust approach to its mandate and its docket is growing apace. However, a closer look at the overall context in which the Court operates reveals that it is susceptible to many of the patterns of resistance that have hampered other international courts in the region, which cut across the development of its authority and impact. This paper analyses the forms and patterns of resistance against the African Court and the actors involved, emphasising the additional difficulties entailed in mapping resistance to a young court compared to long-established courts, such as the European and Inter-American human rights courts.