bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual‐tracer PET/CT scan after injection of combined [18F]NaF and [18F]FDG outperforms MRI in the detection of myeloma lesions
Authors: Withofs Nadia , Beguin Yves , Cousin François , Tancredi Tino , Simoni Paolo , Alvarez‐Miezentseva Victoria , De Prijck Bernard , Hafraoui Kaoutar , Bonnet Christophe , Baron Frédéric , Hustinx Roland , Caers Jo
Published: March 2019

The detection rates of whole‐body combined [18F]NaF/[18F]FDG positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT), CT alone, whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging (WB‐MRI), and X‐ray were prospectively studied in patients with treatment‐requiring plasma cell disorders The detection rates of imaging techniques were compared, and focal lesions were classified according to their anatomic location. Twenty‐six out of 30 initially included patients were assessable. The number of focal lesions detected in newly diagnosed patients (n = 13) and in relapsed patients (n = 13) were 296 and 234, respectively. The detection rate of PET/CT was significantly higher than those of WB‐MRI (P < 0.05) and CT (P < 0.0001) both in patients with newly diagnosed and in those with relapsed multiple myeloma (MM). The X‐ray detection rate was significantly lower than those of all other techniques, while CT detected more lesions compared with WB‐MRI at diagnosis (P = 0.025). With regard to the infiltration patters, relapsed patients presented more diffuse patterns, and more focal lesions located in the limbs compared with newly diagnosed patients. In conclusion, the detection rate of [18F]NaF/[18F]FDG PET/CT was significantly higher than those of CT, MRI, and X‐ray, while the detection rate of X‐rays was significantly lower than those of all other imaging techniques except for focal lesions located in the skull.
Development of surface functionalization strategies for 3D‐printed polystyrene constructs
Authors: Lerman Max J. , Muramoto Shin , Arumugasaamy Navein , Van Order Michael , Lembong Josephine , Gerald Anushka G. , Gillen Greg , Fisher John P.
Published: March 2019

There is a growing interest in 3D printing to fabricate culture substrates; however, the surface properties of the scaffold remain pertinent to elicit targeted and expected cell responses. Traditional 2D polystyrene (PS) culture systems typically require surface functionalization (oxidation) to facilitate and encourage cell adhesion. Determining the surface properties which enhance protein adhesion from media and cellular extracellular matrix (ECM) production remains the first step to translating 2D PS systems to a 3D culture surface. Here we show that the presence of carbonyl groups to PS surfaces correlated well with successful adhesion of ECM proteins and sustaining ECM production of deposited human mesenchymal stem cells, if the surface has a water contact angle between 50° and 55°. Translation of these findings to custom‐fabricated 3D PS scaffolds reveals carbonyl groups continued to enhance spreading and growth in 3D culture. Cumulatively, these data present a method for 3D printing PS and the design considerations required for understanding cell–material interactions. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B:2566–2578, 2019.
People‐nearby applications and local communities: Questioning about individuals’ loneliness and social motivations toward people‐nearby applications
Authors: Procentese Fortuna , Gatti Flora
Published: March 2019

The present study aims to deepen the relationship between people's loneliness and relational motivations toward people‐nearby applications (PNAs) use, within the uses and gratification framework. Indeed, due to the spread of indifference and mistrust toward other citizens, local communities and the relationships within them can leave some individuals’ social needs unsatisfied. An online questionnaire, including the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults—short version and the Cyber Relationships Motives Scale, was administered to 647 PNAs users (age: M = 26.76; standard deviation = 8.77); hierarchical regressions were performed. Individuals’ loneliness associated significantly with the search for love and the desire to meet new people when perceiving offline constraints, but not with the simple desire to meet new people. These results support the idea that PNAs could represent a mean to integrate the aggregation functions of local communities, allowing to find new people to meet nearby regardless of the constraints actually perceived. Being social relationships critical for individuals’ well‐being, understanding the unsatisfied individual needs underlying PNAs social uses and how these apps could be used within local communities could help in integrating people within their local communities and neighbourhoods again, fostering their well‐being too.
MOF‐promoted Three‐component Synthesis of Functionalized Pyrano[3,2‐c]chromen under Mild Conditions
Authors: Masoummi Shahi Akbar , Nikpassand Mohammad , Fallah‐Bagher‐Shaidaei Hossain , Fekri Leila Zare
Published: March 2019

A convenient and efficient route for synthesis of various derivatives of 3‐benzoyl‐4‐phenyl‐2‐(trifluoromethyl)pyrano[3,2‐c]chromen‐5(4H)‐one has been used via tandem Knoevenagel condensation–Michael addition and intramolecular cyclization sequence. These products have been synthesized in the presence of catalytic amount of metal–organic framework (MOF) and potassium carbonate as one‐pot, three‐component reaction. MOF catalyst has been separated easily with external magnet, and high purity of products has been obtained after washing with ethanol. This protocol has advantages of simplicity, mild condition, and high yield. More importantly, MOF has been easily recycled for three times.
Microbial killing by NK cells
Authors: Mody Christopher H , Ogbomo Henry , Xiang Richard F , Kyei Stephen K , Feehan David , Islam Anowara , Li Shu Shun
Published: March 2019

It is now evident that NK cells kill bacteria, fungi, and parasites in addition to tumor and virus-infected cells. In addition to a number of recent publications that have identified the receptors and ligands, and mechanisms of cytotoxicity, new insights are reflected in the reports from researchers all over the world at the 17th Meeting of the Society for Natural Immunity held in San Antonio, TX, USA from May 28 through June 1, 2018. We will provide an overview of the field and discuss how the presentations at the meeting might shape our knowledge and future directions in the field.
Equivalent‐circuit–based modeling of the scattering and noise parameters for multi‐finger GaAs pHEMTs
Authors: Caddemi Alina , Cardillo Emanuele , Crupi Giovanni
Published: March 2019

This study is focused on the experimental characterization of the high‐frequency linear behavior of interdigitated gallium arsenide (GaAs) pseudomorphic high‐electron‐mobility transistors (pHEMTs) in terms of scattering and noise parameters. A measurement‐based model is developed by using the equivalent‐circuit representation. The values of the extrinsic bias‐independent elements are obtained by means of the “cold” approach and then subtracted from the scattering parameter measurements at the bias point of interest, thereby enabling calculation of the intrinsic bias‐dependent elements. Next, the extracted small‐signal equivalent circuit is expanded by assigning an equivalent noise temperature to each resistor, thus obtaining the noise model. The validity of the extracted equivalent‐based model is fully confirmed by the good agreement between measurements and model simulations over a broad frequency range for devices having different number of gate fingers. In addition, the scaling of the achieved performance versus the total gate width is analyzed and discussed.
The role of news articles, prior destination experience, and news involvement in destination image formation
Authors: Gabbioneta Claudia , De Carlo Manuela
Published: March 2019

Despite the relevance of news articles as autonomous image formation agents, we still have limited understanding of their influence on destination image and the conditions under which such influence occurs. This paper analyses the role of news articles and two moderating conditions—prior destination experience and news involvement—in destination image formation. It shows that the number of news articles individuals read is positively associated with their image of the destination, that news involvement enhances the influence of the news articles on destination image formation, and that this influence holds even after controlling for prior destination experience.
A life course perspective to understanding senior tourism patterns and preferences
Authors: Huber Dominik
Published: March 2019

This paper explores the relationships between life course transitions and seniors' tourism behaviour with a focus on social–psychological factors. The study employs a qualitative research approach and applied biographical interviews with 23 participants (older than 60 years) from Germany. Five themes are identified and presented in this paper: “role transitions,” “the loss of partners,” “stressful situations and illness,” “travel saturation,” and “perception of age.” A model is developed that integrates the impact of life course transitions, the collections of travel experiences, and the perception of age on tourism behaviour. Research findings are discussed in light of existing literature and theories on human development and ageing.
Thermal decomposition of CH3I revisited: Consistent calibration of I‐atom concentrations behind shock waves with dual I‐/H‐ARAS
Authors: Weber Isabelle , Olzmann Matthias
Published: March 2019

Iodinated hydrocarbons are often used as precursors for hydrocarbon radicals in shock‐tube experiments. The radicals are produced by C─I bond fission reaction, and their formation can be followed through time‐resolved monitoring of the complementary I‐atom concentrations, for example, by I‐atom resonance absorption spectroscopy (I‐ARAS). This very sensitive technique requires, however, an independent calibration. As a very clean source of I atoms, CH3I is particularly well suited as calibration system for I‐ARAS presumed the yield of I atoms and the rate coefficient of I‐atom formation from CH3I are known with sufficient accuracy. But if the formation of I atoms from CH3I by I‐ARAS is to be characterized, an independent calibration system is required.

In this study, we propose a cross‐calibration approach for I‐ARAS based on the simultaneous time‐resolved monitoring of I and H atoms by ARAS in C2H5I pyrolysis experiments. For this reaction system, it can be shown that at sufficiently short reaction times very similar amounts of I and H atoms are formed (difference <1%). As calibration of H‐ARAS, with mixtures of N2O and H2, is a well‐established technique, we calibrated I‐atom absorption–time profiles with respect to simultaneously recorded H‐atom concentration–time profiles. Using this approach, we investigated the thermal decomposition of CH3I in the temperature range 950–2050 K behind reflected shock waves at two different nominal pressures (p ∼ 0.4 and 1.6 bar, bath gas: Ar). From the obtained absolute I‐atom concentration–time profiles at temperatures T < 1250 K, we inferred a second‐order rate coefficient k(T) = (1.7 ± 0.7) × 1015 exp(–20020 K/T) cm3 mol–1 s–1 for the reaction CH3I + Ar → CH3 + I + Ar. A small mechanism to describe the pyrolysis of CH3I under shock‐tube conditions is presented and discussed.
Non‐Anticoagulant Heparin Prodrug Loaded Biodegradable and Injectable Thermoresponsive Hydrogels for Enhanced Anti‐Metastasis Therapy
Authors: Andrgie Abegaz Tizazu , Mekuria Shewaye Lakew , Addisu Kefyalew Dagnew , Hailemeskel Balkew Zewge , Hsu Wei‐Hsin , Tsai Hsieh‐Chih , Lai Juin‐Yih
Published: March 2019

Metastasis is a pathogenic spread of cancer cells from the primary site to surrounding tissues and distant organs, making it one of the primary challenges for effective cancer treatment and the major cause of cancer mortality. Heparin‐based biomaterials exhibit significant inhibition of cancer cell metastasis. In this study, a non‐anticoagulate heparin prodrug is developed for metastasis treatment with a localized treatment system using temperature sensitive, injectable, and biodegradable (poly‐(ε‐caprolactone‐co‐lactide)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(ε‐caprolactone‐co‐lactide) polymeric hydrogel. The drug molecule (heparin) is conjugated with the polymer via esterification, and its sustained release is ensured by hydrolysis and polymeric biodegradation. An aqueous solution of the polymer could be used as an injectable solution at below 25 °C and it achieves gel formation at 37 °C. The anti‐metastasis effect of the hydrogels is investigated both in vitro and in vivo. The results demonstrated that local administration of injectable heparin‐loaded hydrogels effectively promote an inhibitory effect on cancer metastasis.
Hochschuldidaktik ‐ Reden über Verantwortung
Authors: Groß Iris , Lehmann Klaus
Published: March 2019

An der Hochschule Bonn‐Rhein‐Sieg setzten sich Chemiestudenten freiwillig parallel zum eigentlichen Fachstudium und fachübergreifend mit dem Begriff Nachhaltigkeit auseinander. Die Lehrveranstaltungen zeigen ihnen die gesellschaftlichen Bezüge naturwissenschaftlicher Inhalte und bringen sie dazu, ihr Selbstverständnis als Chemiker zu überdenken.
Pro Studium generale
Authors: Alt Peter‐André
Published: March 2019

Ein Studium generale legt eine Wissensgrundlage für das Fachstudium und erweitert den Horizont der Studierenden, mein Peter‐André Alt.
Biokraftstoffe und Klima
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: March 2019

Die Europäische Union will mehr Biokraftstoffe aus Rückständen und Abfällen. Das könnte Klimagasemissionen erhöhen, statt sie zu senken.
Gegen Plastik in der Umwelt
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: March 2019

Eine gemeinnützige Organisation will eine Kunststoffkreislaufwirtschaft vorantreiben und Abfälle vor allem aus Flüssen beseitigen.
A probabilistic approach for computing water retention of particulate systems from statistics of grain size and tessellated pore network
Authors: Wan Richard , Pouragha Mehdi , Eghbalian Mahdad , Duriez Jérôme , Wong Tai
Published: March 2019

The paper offers an analytical determination of the hydraulic properties of an unsaturated soil with reference to its retention curve, which describes the relationship between the volumetric water content and capillarity through matric suction. The analysis combines a particulate approach focused on the physics at the pore scale, including microstructural aspects, with a probabilistic approach where the void space and grain size are considered as random variables. In the end, the soil water characteristic curve of an unsaturated granular medium along a drying path can be derived analytically based on the sole information of particle size distribution. The analysis hinges on the tessellation of a wet granular system into an assemblage of tetrahedral unit cells revealing a pore network upon which capillary physics are computed with respect to pore throat invasion by a non‐wetting fluid with evolving pendular capillary bridges. The crux of the paper is to pass from particle size probability distribution to a matching void space distribution to eventually reveal key information such as void cell and solid volume statistics. Making reasonable statistically based assumptions to render calculations tractable, the water retention curve can be readily constructed. Model predictions compare quite favourably with experimental data available for actual soils, especially in the high saturation range. Having a sound scientific basis, the model can be made amenable to address a variety of soils with a wider range of particle sizes.
From Socioeconomic Disadvantage to Obesity: The Mediating Role of Psychological Distress and Emotional Eating
Authors: Spinosa Jade , Christiansen Paul , Dickson Joanne M. , Lorenzetti Valentina , Hardman Charlotte A.
Published: March 2019

Objective

Lower socioeconomic status is robustly associated with obesity; however, the underpinning psychological mechanisms remain unclear. The current study sought to determine whether the relationship between lower socioeconomic status and obesity is explained by psychological distress and subsequent emotional eating as a coping strategy. It also examined whether psychological resilience plays a protective role in this pathway.

Methods

Participants (N = 150) from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds completed questionnaire measures of psychological distress, emotional eating, and resilience. They reported their income and education level as an indicator of socioeconomic status and their height and weight in order to calculate BMI.

Results

There was a significant indirect effect of socioeconomic status on BMI via psychological distress and emotional eating; specifically, lower socioeconomic status was associated with higher distress, higher distress was associated with higher emotional eating, and higher emotional eating was associated with higher BMI (b [SE] = −0.02 [0.01]; 95% CI: −0.04 to −0.01). However, resilience was not a significant moderator of this association.

Conclusions

Psychological distress and subsequent emotional eating represent a serial pathway that links lower socioeconomic status with obesity. Targeting these maladaptive coping behaviors may be one strategy to reduce obesity in low‐income populations.
Distributed optimal consensus control for nonlinear multiagent systems based on DISOPE algorithm
Authors: Sun Jinghan , Li Junmin
Published: March 2019

In this note, a distributed dynamic integrated system optimization and parameter estimation (DISOPE) algorithm for nonlinear multiagent system with general local finite time horizon performance index is proposed, which integrates the model optimization and parameter estimation techniques. Two difficult issues for optimal consensus problem, nonlinear multiagent system and nonlinear quadratic performance index, are considered. With the help of DISOPE algorithm, a distributed optimal control policy is designed to minimize the local performance index in finite time horizon. Furthermore, the convergence of distributed DISOPE algorithm is given, such that the convergence solution satisfies the optimality conditions. Finally, a simulation is employed to show the effectiveness of the distributed DISOPE algorithm.
Sowing the seeds for interdisciplinary plant research and development in the Tropical Andes
Authors: Dangles Olivier , Restrepo Silvia , Montúfar Rommel
Published: March 2019

Societal Impact Statement

In the Tropical Andes millions of people depend upon the use of wild and domesticated biodiversity for their livelihoods, but the complex interactions between the ecological and social components of the region’s ecosystems remain poorly understood. Better knowledge of these interactions can help provide solutions to reduce poverty in this region. The joint international laboratory on Biodiversity in Natural and Cultivated phytosystems of the Tropical Andes (BIO_INCA) aims to fill crucial gaps in knowledge by advancing research at the interface between biology, ecology, agronomy, social and human science, and economics, which will not only help address the challenge of ecologically sustainable agriculture, but also contribute to United Nations sustainable development goals on Zero hunger and Life on land.
An adaptive approach to EWMA dispersion chart using Huber and Tukey functions
Authors: Zaman Babar , Lee Muhammad Hisyam , Riaz Muhammad , Abujiya Mu'azu Ramat
Published: March 2019

Random causes are vital part of every process in manufacturing and nonmanufacturing environments, and these do not affect the product features. Special causes, on the other hand, come because of some burden(s) in a process and requires special attention; otherwise, it ruins the products excellence. Special causes are categorized into small, moderate, and large shifts and are handled by statistical quality control charts. The Shewhart control chart is well known for large shifts, while the cumulative sum and exponentially weighted moving average are more effective in detecting small to moderate shifts. However, in practice, many processes require the simultaneous monitoring of both the small to the large shifts. In this study, we have designed an adaptive EWMA for dispersion parameter in connection with Huber and Tukey's bisquare functions. The performance measures used in this study include average run length, extra quadratic loss, relative average run length, and performance‐comparison index. We have observed that the study proposals are good competitors to the other counter parts for an efficient monitoring of shifts of varying amounts. An illustrative example using real data is given to demonstrate the implementation of the study proposal.
Feasibility of greenhouse gas emissions offsets for natural source zone depletion of petroleum hydrocarbons
Authors: McAlexander Benjamin L.
Published: March 2019

Hydrocarbon biodegradation is an important process for remediating petroleum hydrocarbons and managing large sites. However, this biodegradation results in what are essentially unavoidable CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. A feasibility assessment was conducted to quantitatively consider reuse options for petroleum brownfields that would offset contaminant respiration emissions rates in the 2 to 10 micromoles CO2 per meters squared per second (μmol CO2 m−2 s−1) typically observed. Under a wide range of solar resource scenarios, placement of solar panels over only a fraction (no more than 35%) of the site footprint is estimated as necessary to achieve an emissions offset. Similarly, placement of one 30‐meter tall wind turbine of moderate rating (approximately 30 to 50 kW) is sufficient to provide an offset for a nominal 1,000 square meters site. For spreading of spent calcium‐rich construction materials, under even a high emissions scenario, the required footprint for the offset is less than the site footprint. While these approaches appear feasible, revegetation as forestland is estimated as sufficient only at contaminant respiration rates up to 2 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1. Revegetation as rangeland and cropland, which sequesters CO2 mainly in soil organic carbon, is estimated as requiring more than the site footprint under many contaminant respiration rates. Revegetation as a wetland fares slightly better from a carbon storage perspective, but it also has the potential for N2O and CH4 emissions that may largely undo the benefit from sequestration in soil organic matter. Overall, the results indicate several methods that are viable for achieving emissions offsets and a quantitation method that can be honed with site‐specific input parameters as appropriate.
An iterative Q‐learning scheme for the global stabilization of discrete‐time linear systems subject to actuator saturation
Authors: Rizvi Syed Ali Asad , Lin Zongli
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we propose a model‐free algorithm for global stabilization of linear systems subject to actuator saturation. The idea of gain‐scheduled low gain feedback is applied to develop control laws that avoid saturation and achieve global stabilization. To design these control laws, we employ the framework of parameterized algebraic Riccati equations (AREs). Reinforcement learning techniques are developed to find the solution of the parameterized ARE without requiring any knowledge of the system dynamics. In particular, we present an iterative Q‐learning scheme that searches for a low gain parameter and iteratively solves the parameterized ARE using the Bellman equation. Both state feedback and output feedback algorithms are developed. It is shown that the proposed scheme achieves model‐free global stabilization under bounded controls and convergence to the optimal solution of the ARE is achieved. Simulation results are presented that confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Secondary seed dispersal in hydro‐fluctuation belts and its influence on the soil seed bank
Authors: Chen Fang‐qing , Wu Yang , Zhang Miao , Ma Yan‐ran , Xie Zong‐qiang , Chen Chen
Published: March 2019

The completion of the Three Gorges project altered the water level fluctuations from “summer submersion and winter exposure” to “summer exposure and winter submersion.” The reverse seasonal flooding has dramatically changed both the time and duration of exposure and submergence of reservoir banks. Secondary seed dispersal by water is the primary method of dispersal in hydro‐fluctuation belts. This study conducted field sampling and germination experiments to evaluate the effects of reverse seasonal flooding on species composition, diversity, and density of the secondary seed dispersal system and the soil seed bank, and their changes with elevation, in the Xiangzi River. The results indicate that that the secondary seed dispersal system and soil seed bank were associated with 42 and 50 plant species, respectively, and their average seed densities were 1,876.27 and 7,322.18 seeds/m2, respectively. The quantity of seeds from secondary seed dispersal accounted for 20.40% of the soil seed bank. The species life‐form composition of both consisted mainly of annual and perennial grasses. Among these grasses, the dominant species in the secondary seed dispersal system were Cynodon dactylon and Paspalum distichum, whereas the dominant species in the soil seed bank were Solanum nigrum and Rumex dentatus. Due to the effects of reverse seasonal water level fluctuations, the species composition and quantity of the soil seed bank and secondary seed dispersal system largely exhibited similar spatial distribution characteristics, but some differences were observed. The species quantity, species diversity index, and seed density in the soil seed bank were the highest in the middle section of the hydro‐fluctuation belt, followed by the top section and then the bottom section. Conversely, the species quantity, species diversity index, and seed density in the secondary seed dispersal system were highest at the top section, followed by the middle section and then the bottom section.
Easy Scale‐Up Synthesis of Mo8O26(C5H6N)4.H2O Hybrid with a Rectangular Prism Morphology and Its Application as an Efficient and Highly Recyclable Bi‐functional Catalyst for Knoevenagel Condensations
Authors: Feghhi Aliyeh , Malakooti Reihaneh , Malakooti Sadeq , Hooshmand Nasrin
Published: March 2019

The Mo8O26(C5H6N)4.H2O hybrid with rectangular prism morphology was synthesized via a simple wet chemical method at room temperature in water. The as‐synthesized product was characterized by different methods, including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Raman spectroscopy, N2‐adsorption/desorption and elemental analysis. The Mo8O26(C5H6N)4.H2O hybrid catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation reaction as a bi‐functional catalyst. Moreover, the molybdenum (VI) site in this hybrid catalyzed selective oxidation of alcohols in the presence of molecular oxygen (O2) as oxidant. The reaction of malononitrile with various aromatic aldehydes was carried out in aqueous media under mild temperature in the presence of no extra base or acid. On the other hand, the oxidation of alcohols with molecular oxygen progressed via a reusable heterogeneous system in a mild temperature. The reused catalysts from both systems were identified by XRD, FT‐IR, SEM and elemental analysis.
Hybrid Films of Ni(OH)2 Nanowall Networks on Reduced Graphene Oxide Prepared at a Liquid/Liquid Interface for Oxygen Evolution and Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Bramhaiah Kommula , Alex Chandraraj , Singh Vidya N. , John Neena S.
Published: March 2019

Free‐standing films of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) based Ni(OH)2 nanowall structures are generated at a liquid/liquid interface involving in situ reaction and self‐assembly. The nanowall network of Ni(OH)2 sheets anchored on rGO layers with 10–15 nm wall thickness and ordered voids of average size 100 nm can serve as excellent candidates for catalyzing electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) as they expose maximum edge sites of Ni(OH)2 and allow diffusion and penetration of electrolytes into voids enhancing the contact area of the electrolyte/electrocatalyst interface. The unique morphology of the hybrid films exhibited high electrochemical surface area and low charge transfer resistance. Accordingly, rGO−Ni(OH)2 hybrid films display excellent catalytic activity and high cycling stability in alkaline solutions giving a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 378 mV with a Tafel slope of 56 mV dec−1. The hybrid films also exhibited a high specific and areal capacitance of 1402 Fg−1 and 98.12 mF cm−2 at a scan rate of 5 mVs−1. OER activity and capacitance of the hybrid rGO−Ni(OH)2 films are higher compared to that of bare Ni(OH)2 film and is attributed to the synergic effect between the rGO layer and the ordered interconnected nanowall Ni(OH)2 nanostructures. The primary advantage of these hybrid films is that they can be collected on the desired substrate for ready use as electrodes without the use of any external binders.
Reduced Graphene Oxide Sheets Supported Waxberry‐like Co Catalysts for Improved Hydrolytic Dehydrogenation of Ammonia Borane
Authors: Zhao Xin , Ke Dandan , Han Shumin , Li Yuan , Zhang Hongming , Cai Ying
Published: March 2019

Cobalt nanoparticles (NPs) supported on reduced graphene oxide sheets have been synthesized via a facile chemical reduction method by adding surfactant PVA and controlling the preparation process. Compared with regular Co NPs and unsupported waxberry‐like Co NPs, the synthesized Co@rGO exhibited waxberry‐like structure and amorphous state, good dispersion, uniform particle size with 25 nm. The waxberry‐like Co@rGO catalyst needed 10.8 min for hydrolytic dehydrogenation of NH3⋅BH3, with an initial turnover frequency (TOF) of 12.14 molH2⋅min–1⋅molCo–1 and the activation energy of 45.49 kJ⋅mol–1. The improved catalytic activity can be ascribed to the special morphology and decreased particle size of Co NPs, as well as the synergistic effect between graphene sheets and Co NPs. The work also includes the kinetic studies on zero‐order with respect to substrate concentration and first‐order reaction with respect to catalyst concentration.
Syntheses, and Crystal Structures of YIII Containing Di‐Metal Substituted 1,5 Isomers of Heterometallic Tungstophosphate Nanoclusters: [Y{PM2W10O38(H2O)2}2]11– (M=CoII and ZnII)
Authors: Das Vivek , Gupta Rakesh , Iseki Nao , Sadakane Masahiro , Mougharbel Ali S. , Kortz Ulrich , Hussain Firasat
Published: March 2019

Two new YIII containing sandwich‐type heterometallic tungstophosphates: [Y{PM2W10O38(H2O)2}2]11– (M = CoII (1) and ZnII (2)) have been synthesized under mild reaction conditions. Both the molecular complexes 1 a and 2 a were synthesized by reacting Y(NO3)3⋅6H2O, M(NO3)2⋅6H2O (M = CoII and ZnII) with Wells‐Dawson type divacant K14[P2W19O69(H2O)]⋅24H2O precursor. The potassium salts of single crystalline material were collected and further used for characterization with different analytical techniques including single crystal X‐ray diffraction (SC‐XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐AES), 31P, 183W and 89Y nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, high‐resolution electro‐spray ionization mass spectrometry (HR‐ESI‐MS) as well as thermogravimetric analysis. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that both polyanions crystallize in the orthorhombic crystal system with space group Iba2. Each polyanion consists of (1,5) isomer of di‐metal substituted α‐Keggin type tungstophosphates, which sandwiched a YIII ion.
Silver‐Quantum‐Dot‐Modified MoO3 and MnO2 Paper‐Like Freestanding Films for Flexible Solid‐State Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Xingyan , Fu Qiangang , Huang Heming , Wei Lu , Guo Xin
Published: March 2019

Free‐standing paper‐like thin‐film electrodes have great potential to boost next‐generation power sources with highly flexible, ultrathin, and lightweight requirements. In this work, silver‐quantum‐dot‐ (2–5 nm) modified transition metal oxide (including MoO3 and MnO2) paper‐like electrodes are developed for energy storage applications. Benefitting from the ohmic contact at the interfaces between silver quantum dots and MoO3 nanobelts (or MnO2 nanowires) and the binder‐free nature and 0D/1D/2D nanostructured 3D network of the fabricated electrodes, substantial improvements on the electrical conductivity, efficient ionic diffusion, and areal capacitances of the hybrid nanostructure electrodes are observed. With this proposed strategy, the constructed asymmetric supercapacitors, with Ag quantum dots/MoO3 “paper” as anode, Ag quantum dots/MnO2 “paper” as cathode, and neutral Na2SO4/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel as electrolyte, exhibit significantly enhanced energy and power densities in comparison with those of the supercapacitors without modification of Ag quantum dots on electrodes; present excellent cycling stability at different current densities and good flexibility under various bending states; offer possibilities as high‐performance power sources with low cost, high safety, and environmental friendly properties.
Exploring the value of participatory system dynamics in two paired field studies of stakeholder engagement in sustainability discussions
Authors: Stave Krystyna , Dwyer Michael , Turner Marcia
Published: March 2019

This paper presents empirical evidence from two field studies about the effect of participatory system dynamics processes in stakeholder discussions about sustainability issues. Both studies examined paired real‐world group processes in which stakeholders were asked to provide policy recommendations to municipal decision makers. One group in each study used a general meeting facilitation approach, and the other used participatory system dynamics. One pair of groups discussed urban growth issues and met monthly for over a year. The other pair of groups discussed a proposed Zero Waste management initiative and met for one workshop session during a single‐day conference. The urban growth study was an opportunistic, post hoc comparison of two groups with similar stakeholders independently convened at the same time. The participatory system dynamics group followed a full‐group model‐building process. The Zero Waste study was a field experiment in which participants in the same 1‐day conference were divided into two groups for facilitated discussion, and the participatory system dynamics group used an existing system dynamics simulation model for analysis. Content analysis of meeting material as well as participant surveys and interviews in the longer term engagement showed the system dynamics group followed key steps of an “ideal” problem‐solving process more closely, scored higher on most group process and outcome variables, and had higher participant satisfaction than the traditionally facilitated group. In the short‐term processes, prediscussion and postdiscussion surveys showed the participatory system dynamics group produced better policy recommendations, but the traditionally facilitated group reported higher procedural satisfaction. Although the difficulty of strictly controlling for all variation in context limits our conclusions, these field comparisons support the value of participatory system dynamics for improving stakeholder engagement processes. The differences in participant satisfaction outcomes imply that special attention must be paid to satisfaction in shorter term participatory system dynamics activities.
Resisting and Responding to Racism Through Fraternity and Sorority Involvement
Authors: Beatty Cameron C. , McElderry Jonathan A. , Bottoms Megan , Gray Kourtney
Published: March 2019

This chapter offers student affairs professionals who advise fraternity and sorority students enduring questions to consider in the process of supporting students who are resisting and responding to racism.
The Rationale of CyberParks and the Potential of Mediated Public Open Spaces
Authors: Smaniotto Costa Carlos , Šuklje Erjavec Ina
Published: March 2019

Cybertechnologies are changing the world, both in terms of sociability and subjectivity, and consequently how people experience the city, appreciate urban landscape and nature, along with the way people interrelate to each other and with the space. The penetration of ICT into urban landscapes has increased the open space typology, adding a concept of ‘cyberpark’ to it – the public open space where nature, society, and cybertechnologies blend together to generate hybrid experiences and enhance quality of urban life. A cyberpark evolves through different ways of the implementation and use of digital technologies into a new type of a connectable, real-time responsive, sharing and integrating public place, in which, the physical dimension of a space becomes a more dynamic and blurred form of interaction This calls for understanding such hybrid spaces as more than a simple new spatial unit of urban tissue. This chapter proposes a conceptual framework for a better understanding of interweaving between physical and virtual spheres in public open spaces and addresses the results of the COST Action CyberParks. It explores, in terms of policy-making, urban planning and design, the numerous challenges and opportunities created by digital and mobile technologies. The efforts of this work are thus centred on the potential of ICT to increased possibilities for new uses and elements or even types of urban open spaces, as an important added value to the quality of life, inclusiveness, responsiveness and attractiveness of the city. In critically addressing opportunities, the chapter shall seek to question and challenge, the more ‘traditional’ understanding of what makes a good public place. In doing so, it shall attempt to provide pointers towards a re-conceptualised view of urban space design/production and (planning) control/guidance.
Programming and Activating Cyberparks: An Introduction and Overview
Authors: de Lange Michiel , de Waal Martijn
Published: March 2019

Part 3 Programming and Activating Cyberparks deals with the variety of ways in which urban public spaces can be reinvigorated through the use of digital media technologies. As is outlined in the introduction to this volume, digital media technologies profoundly shape the use and perception of urban public spaces. Critical observers have noted that digital media may threaten the public nature of our cities and civic spaces. For instance, elsewhere we have described these threats in terms of three Cs: commercialisation, control, and capsularisation (de Lange and de Waal 2013). First, the combination of digital media technologies and consumer culture overlays everyday urban life with a market logic of pervasive customer tracing, quantification, and a vying for attention. Datafication and personalized recommendation services capitalise on our habitual everyday movements in the city, turning them into an ever-expanding string of (potential) customer ‘touchpoints’. This affects the spatial, social and cultural dimensions of almost every realm of urban life, from work to meeting to leisure to travel to home. Visible illustrations include the rapidly changing appearance of high streets in most cities, or the nature and quality of inner-city neighbourhoods coinciding with the popularity of platforms like Airbnb (for more on platforms, see van Dijck et al. 2018). As a result, our polyvocal and frictional public open spaces are being transformed into silent and seamless marketplaces, where public interactions are reduced to commercial transactions.
Revealing the Potential of Public Places: Adding a New Digital Layer to the Existing Thematic Gardens in Thessaloniki Waterfront
Authors: Ruchinskaya Tatiana , Ioannidis Konstantinos , Kimic Kinga
Published: March 2019

In recent years, mobile devices have become very popular communication tools that provide access to information and communication, influence people’s social behaviour and change patterns of their everyday activities. The use of communication technologies in public open spaces has become significant for the outdoor experiences of people and the relationship between users and technologically mediated outdoor activities. More specifically, wireless digital cultures not only influence spatial layout, infrastructure systems and moving patterns, but also require ICT-based placemaking strategies. This is often not considered sufficiently during the physical design stage. It is important to consider a space appropriation approach to the use of digital technologies in public spaces, based on user requirements and the local context. This is demonstrated with a case study of the Gardens at new waterfront of Thessaloniki, Greece. In this project space analysis and users’ questionnaires were applied to relate digital space to the reality of the physical landscape as a first stage in the design process. This approach has wider implications for successful place making strategies. This chapter considers the possibilities of extensive outdoor use of digital media technologies in traditional forms of spatial experiences. It proposes that the new digital layer overlaying the physical space should first be methodologically explored in a way that could advance understanding of the extent to which immaterial networks and relationships can affect material planning and design dimensions.
Cyberpark, a New Medium of Human Associations, a Component of Urban Resilience
Authors: Lalenis Konstantinos , Yapicioglou Balkiz , Ivanova-Radovanova Petja
Published: March 2019

The centre point of this chapter is how to increase the resilience of the urban environment by integrating the cyberpark in its spatial planning and policies. Disaster prevention and preparedness are a priority in resilience, and two major related sectors are infrastructure and information. Significant components of prevention infrastructure in cities are public/free spaces. Public spaces are used as refuge in cases of natural disasters (earthquakes, fires etc.), but also as spaces of physical contact, communication, community bonding, and provision of social services in cases of social crises (the cases of refugees). Information, as the other major sector of prevention, may vary from dissemination of information in an individual basis, to information exchange in a collective basis, the latter being of significant value in cases of prevention. The collective basis of information exchange is further expanded and technologically improved through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). This chapter focuses on the psychological and social roles of ‘the cyberpark’ in extraordinary events and illustrate the importance of its physical form and spatiality. Cyberparks combines and explores the relationship between Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and urban open/public spaces. In this sense, they combine elements of both, prevention infrastructure and information, and they constitute significant components of urban resilience.
A Spotlight of Co-creation and Inclusiveness of Public Open Spaces
Authors: Šuklje Erjavec Ina , Ruchinskaya Tatiana
Published: March 2019

This chapter focuses on co-creation as the way to engage different stakeholders with everyday urban environments based on equality, diversity and social cohesion. It presents the relationship of co-creation and inclusiveness of public open spaces together with different aspects of co-creation related to issues of publicness and space. It discusses why and how co-creation must take into consideration the characteristics of the comprehensive spatial development processes. It suggests that co-creation is a wider concept than co-design and is a multistage process that contributes to inclusive public spaces, providing measures for social sustainability of place. This chapter argues that digital tools may help to overcome challenges of co-creation and provide an opinion on the contribution of digital technologies to the co-creation process by engaging people in the design, use and management of public spaces, providing new resources for interaction and users’ empowerment. For that it presents an overview of the possible contribution of digital technologies to support inclusiveness of the co-creation processes that is structured by typologies of digital tools and their possible interlinking with the steps of the co-creation process. To improve the understanding of such possibilities it critically addresses strengths and weaknesses of using digital tools for co-creation and inclusiveness and provides recommendations for their further development.
CyberParks Songs and Stories - Enriching Public Spaces with Localized Culture Heritage Material such as Digitized Songs and Stories
Authors: Synnes Kåre , Artopoulos Georgios , Smaniotto Costa Carlos , Menezes Marluci , Redaelli Gaia
Published: March 2019

This chapter offers theoretical considerations and reflections on technological solutions that contribute to digitally supported documentation, access and reuse of localised heritage content in public spaces. It addresses immaterial cultural heritage, including informal stories that could emerge and be communicated by drawing hyperlinks between digitised assets, such as songs, images, drawings, texts and more, and not yet documented metadata, as well as augmenting interaction opportunities with interactive elements that relate to multiple media stored in databases and archives across Europe. The aim is to enable cultural heritage to be experienced in novel ways, supported by the proliferation of smartphones and ubiquitous Internet access together with new technical means for user profiling, personalisation, localisation, context-awareness and gamification. The chapter considers cyberparks as digitally enhanced public spaces for accessing and analyzing European cultural heritage and for enriching the interpretation of the past, along with theoretical ramifications and technological limitations. It identifies the capacities of a proposed digital environment together with design guidelines for interaction with cultural heritage assets in public spaces. The chapter concludes with describing a taxonomy of digital content that can be used in order to enhance association and occupation conditions of public spaces, and with discussing technological challenges associated with enriching public spaces with localized cultural heritage material.
Digital Hybrids - Between Tool and Methods: An Introduction and Overview
Authors: Ioannidis Konstantinos , Smaniotto Costa Carlos
Published: March 2019

If last century’s conception of open public space was understood as a performance stage where individuals could negotiate and establish relationships not only amongst them but also with elements of spatial manifestation demonstrating the significance of some visual, most times, qualities, a contemporary observer will probably not make this link.