bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of Information and Communication Technologies in Teaching by Female Academic Teaching Staff in the Higher Education Sector in Mauritius
Authors: Baguant Noshmee Devi
Published: August 2019

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is increasingly being used to support the process of academic teaching in the higher education sector. However, it is imperative to understand the causes for minimal utilisation of ICT tools by female academic teaching staff in their teaching process, resulting in gender inequity in technology. The research examined the correlation between ICT integration in the teaching process by female academic teaching staff in the higher education sector in Mauritius and the factors that could improve such integration in line.  Futures thinking methodology was used for this study to address policy, strategies and actions to support appropriate futures. It comprised an evaluation of the sources and causes of change to map a probable future and a preferable future. The future thinking methods included signalling, horizon scanning, future wheel analysis, alternate futures framework and determining scenarios.  As a result of the research, recommendations were made to assist policy makers and decision makers to develop evidence based policies to address gender inequity in the use of technology in higher education.
The Interactivity of ICT in Language Teaching in the Context of Ukraine University Education
Authors: Savchuk Nataliya M. , Sichkar Svitlana A. , Khlystun Iryna V. , Shuliak Svitlana A. , Avramenko Valentina I.
Published: August 2019

The purpose of the study is to examine and evaluate the impact the the multimedia textbook-based interactive, based on ICT model learning environment provides for the learning styles of the university students majoring in Philology. The study sought to identify tangible (seemingly measurable) and intangible (difficult to measure) gains this learning model brought to both students and instructors. A multimedia textbook to deliver the course in Urkainian Languge was developed for the study. A multi method approach was used to gather feedback and quantitative methods were used to analyze the data. Specifically, Covariance-based Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) software as SPSS AMOS and Textalyzer were used to process the students’ responses to survey questions. The results reported a shift in student preferences in learning, including a greater desire to engage independently with computer-assisted work, quicker problem solving, increased motivation to study, and improved time management and lifelong learning skills. Additionally, there was a shift in teaching approaches of the instructors, namely from a teacher-centered to a student-centered approach. The study may better inform building the learning process for the students with limited learning opportunities or studying the distance learning model. Despite the experimental group involving only the students majoring in Philology, this methodology could be applicable to teaching Ukraninan for Specific Purposes to other majors, such as: Psychology, Law, Cultorology. The research is advancing the knowledge of integration ICT (multimedia) tools into teaching, and specifically the use of multimedia textbooks to deliver Ukrainian English course to the students majoring in Philology.
Modeling Long Range Dependence in Wheat Food Price Returns
Authors: Musunuru Naveen
Published: August 2019

The present paper focuses on analyzing the volatility dynamics of wheat commodity based on the presence of long memory. The paper utilizes several econometric tests to identify the presence and magnitude of the fractional difference parameter. Fractional GARCH models, namely FIGARCH and FIEGARCH, are employed to examine the long memory property. Twenty years of wheat daily price data were used to study the long-range dependence. The results reveal that fractional integration is found in the daily wheat price return series. Overall, the FIGARCH model seems a better fit, in describing the time-varying volatility of the commodity adequately, compared to the FIEGARCH model. Food price shocks are likely to persist for a long time for wheat, resulting in higher market risk for producers and increased purchasing costs for consumers.
Eigen Kracht in de buurt – durven we wel?
Authors: van Diepen Piet
Published: August 2019

Eigen Kracht within the neighbourhood: should we dare?

In various neighbourhoods in Amsterdam tensions between their inhabitants are felt. Inhabitants are irritated by the behaviour of youths, polluted streets and nuisance from their neighbours. They are incapable or do not dare to address each other about this and to solve their problems by themselves. Instead they look towards the authorities for help, which are dealing with insufficient capacity. As a consequence it is getting harder and harder to address and correct each other. Small problems and conflicts develop into big and complex issues.

Amsterdam authorities use various policy tools, pointed at both increasing its own decisiveness and credibility and at mobilizing civilians. Those policies are the Bully-approach, Neighbourhood Safety Teams, Self-protective Neighbourhoods and stimulation of civic initiatives. The reality is stubborn, but also shows bottom-up examples which function succesfully and independently from government approaches and programs. In these examples civic force plays an important role.

These examples, knowledge and persons who play key roles can be brought together and are useful in the search for solutions of problems in other situations. This is most effective when civilians attack issues and are integrated with worthy instruments from the authorities. This will gradually enable a reconstruction of the current system and a social reacquisition of neighbourhoods. In this social ‘football ‘ team civilians would be the strikers, backed up by a strong and professional governmental midfield. This article consecutively defines the current problem, regards the governmental instruments, bottom-up initiatives. It ends up with the suggestion for the construction of a good teamplay between policy tools en bottom up initiatives.
Het Utrechts Mediatiemodel: opvang voor basisconflicten op wijkniveau
Authors: Dierx Janny , Verhoeff Caroline
Published: August 2019

The Utrecht mediation model: support for the handling of daily conflicts within the neighbourhood

Utrecht, the fourth largest city of The Netherlands, is addressing resolving social conflict by promoting schools to adhere to the Peaceful School Program and civilians and professionals to join the Peaceful Neighborhood Program. The Peaceful School Program is designed to address problematic behavior of youth in primary, secondary and high school education and evolved into a democratic and participatory citizenship program. The Peaceful Neighborhood Program is involving important organizations that are active within the neighborhood, members of the community and stake-holders to adapt peaceful attitudes in daily life, including a mind-set that addresses conflicts by resolving them (together).

These two programs are in the process of ‘conquering’ the whole of the city of Utrecht and every single neighborhood. The so-called Utrecht Model for Mediation is supporting these Peaceful Programs, through empowering citizens and professional to enhance their ‘peaceful skills’ and skills for conflict resolution. Citizens and professionals are being trained to develop this mindset. The Utrecht Model for Mediation is organizing a community of mediators that can be of help. A pool of volunteer mediators is being formed to help organizations, professionals, parents, students and members of the community in case of problems, tensions, problematic behavior of youth groups, etcetera. Professional mediators intervene in case of escalated conflicts and penal cases.
Global distribution and diversity ofChaetoceros(Bacillariophyta, Mediophyceae): integration of classical and novel strategies
Authors: De Luca Daniele , Kooistra Wiebe H.C.F. , Sarno Diana , Gaonkar Chetan C. , Piredda Roberta
Published: August 2019

Information on taxa distribution is a prerequisite for many research fields, and biological records are a major source of data contributing to biogeographic studies. The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) are important infrastructures facilitating free and open access to classical biological data from several sources in both temporal and spatial scales. Over the last ten years, high throughput sequencing (HTS) metabarcoding data have become available, which constitute a great source of detailed occurrence data. Among the global sampling projects that have contributed to such data are Tara Oceans and the Ocean Sampling Day (OSD). Integration of classical and metabarcoding data may aid a more comprehensive assessment of the geographic range of species, especially of microscopic ones such as protists. Rare, small and cryptic species are often ignored in surveys or mis-assigned with the classical approaches. Here we show how integration of data from various sources can contribute to insight in the biogeography and diversity at the genus- and species-level usingChaetocerosas study system,one of the most diverse and abundant genera among marine planktonic diatoms.Chaetocerosrecords were extracted from GBIF and OBIS and literature data were collected by means of a Google Scholar search.Chaetocerosreferences barcodes where mapped against the metabarcode datasets of Tara Oceans (210 sites) and OSD (144 sites). We compared the resolution of different data sources in determining the global distribution of the genus and provided examples, at the species level, of detection of cryptic species, endemism and cosmopolitan or restricted distributions. Our results highlighted at genus level a comparable picture from the different sources but a more complete assessment when data were integrated. Both the importance of the integration but also the challenges related to it were illustrated.Chaetocerosdata collected in this study are organised and available in the form of tables and maps, providing a powerful tool and a baseline for further research in e.g., ecology, conservation and evolutionary biology.
Subsurface Investigation for Effective Water Resource Prospect: A Panacea to Problem of Water Supply Services in the Built Environment of the Newly Created Areas in Anambra, Nigeria
Authors: Ikechukwu Uche Felix , Onunkwo A. A.
Published: August 2019

The creation of new Local Government Areas (LGA) in Nigeria has brought about problem of water scarcity due to population increase and consequent increase in the construction of residential buildings; especially in the south east in the recent time . Ihiala LGA is a case under study. Since the creation of Ihiala local government area in Anambra State of Nigeria, there is the need for underground water resource development for effective water supply system towards sustainable housing in the area due to population increase, and development of more residential buildings. By using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) technique in geophysical survey of the subsurface, it was discovered that there are about six litho-logical units in the area. The subsurface litho-logy, aquifer depth and their dispositions, were probed using Abem Tetrameters 300 SAS and Geographic Information System equipments to identify the resistivity of the formations. In the area, sand stone deposit is prominent at the upper levels between 3 to 27 meters. Aquifer depth is located within 75 to 120 meters. The saturated sand stones significantly occur within the 3rd and 5th layers of the litho-logical horizons. The aquifer is mostly semi confined, and composed of sand, silty sand and sand-stone mineral aggregates. Subsurface water resources exploitation using borehole facility in the area therefore should reference these discoveries for easy and sustainable underground water resource development, to meet the people daily need for good water in the study area.
Marketing Efficiency of Milk and Milk Products in Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Vykhaneswari K. , Devi K. Uma
Published: August 2019

The study was conducted to know the marketing efficiency of milk and milk products of co-operative and non-cooperative sectors in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh. Primary& secondary data was collected from the 4 marketing channels (cooperative society i.e. Ongole dairy, non-cooperative dairies - traditional, private and milk collection centers). It has been found that the price spread of milk was highest in case of channel 3 and minimum price spread was found in channel 4. Highest marketing efficiency of milk was observed in case of channel 4 and channel 6 was the most efficient channel for curd. In the case of buttermilk highest marketing efficiency and the lowest price spread was observed in non-cooperative channel 4. Marketing efficiency of ghee was more in case of channel 1 followed by channel 3 and 2. Findings of the study showed that marketing efficiency of the cooperative dairy plant has been observed relatively less than private dairy plants and marketing efficiency of private channels were found to be more than cooperative channel but the traditional channel was more efficient than the private channel. From the findings of the study, the following implications were drawn. The monthly payment should be made regular and price given to dairy farmers should be increased by cooperative society so that the dairy farmers preferring to this channel will be increased more than at present. The dairy plants should lower the sales commission is paid to commission agents, wholesalers, retailers and other selling agents to reduce distribution cost.
Response of Heat Tolerant Variety (Kufri Surya) of Potato (Solanum tuberosum) under Different Levels of Nitrogen
Authors: Bhattacharya Urjashi , Saha Augustina , Saha Asok
Published: August 2019

Keeping in view, the deficiency of detailed information on adoption of heat tolerant potato (Solanum tuberosum) variety ‘Kufri Surya’ in Terai Agro-Climatic situation of West Bengal, the field experiment was conducted at the Instructional farm of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal during the rabi season of 2016 to study the effect on heat tolerant variety (Kufri Surya) with different nitrogen levels. Experiment was laid out in a Split-plot design taking two varieties ‘Kufri Jyoti’ and ‘Kufri Surya’ as main plot with six different levels of nitrogen of 0 kg N ha-1, 50 kg N ha-1, 100 kg N ha-1, 150 kg N ha-1, 200 kg N ha-1 and 250 kg N ha-1 as subplot. Results of the experiment showed that the higher values of the growth attributes like dry matter accumulation, leaf area index, in all the sampling dates of experimentation was recorded with 100 kg N ha-1. Owing to the higher leaf area index and dry matter accumulation in shoot, tuber yield was recorded highest from the treatment having 100 kg N ha-1 (28.46 t ha-1).
Assessment of Leptin and Prolactin in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Authors: Sadaria Roshni G. , Ravi B. V.
Published: August 2019

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most frequent endocrine disorders among women at reproductive age and is characterized by infertility, hirsutism, obesity, insulin resistance, and menstrual irregularities. Leptin, an adipocyte derived hormone, serves as a link relaying metabolic signals to the neuronal networks in the brain to modulate hypothalamo-pituitary- ovarian axis. Circulating leptin correlates strongly with obesity, which is frequently associated with PCOS. PCOS is associated with hyperandrogenemia and relatively high estrogen levels, which could stimulate prolactin secretion.

Aims: 1. To assess serum leptin and prolactin in women with PCOS and to compare them with healthy women as controls. 2. To correlate the leptin, prolactin and body mass index (BMI) among a group of PCOS women and healthy women as controls.

Methodology: The study was conducted at Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences & Hospital, Bangalore. A comparative study was conducted which includes 30 women who has diagnosed with PCOS and 30 healthy women with as controls. The age group for the study was 18 to 35 years. Fasting blood samples were drawn to measure serum leptin and prolactin. BMI was also calculated. Interpretation of data was done using SPSS version 13.

Results: Significant positive correlations between leptin levels and BMI in cases and controls (ρ= 0.683, p < 0.001; ρ= 0.485, p = 0.007 respectively) were observed. Mean BMI, leptin and prolactin were found elevated in the PCOS women compared to controls but they were not statistically significant. No significant correlation was found between leptin and prolactin.

Conclusion: Leptin levels were correlated with BMI both in PCOS women and in the healthy controls. Leptin may not have a direct role in the pathogenesis of PCOS, as the serum levels were not significantly higher in PCOS women and did not correlate with prolactin.
Mapping a Climate Change Vulnerability Index: An Assessment in Agricultural, Geological and Demographic Sectors across the Districts of Karnataka (India)
Authors: Shivakumara C. , Murthy P. S. Srikantha
Published: August 2019

Climate change is a continuous phenomenon and over hundreds of years, the atmosphere has changed considerably around the world. Karnataka has the second largest drought prone area in the country next only to Rajasthan. Assessment of vulnerability index could play a major role in designing appropriate mitigation and adaptation policies to overcome the impacts of climate change. The vulnerability assessment is an exhaustive procedure determined by a large number of indicators. This study attempted to capture a picture of composite vulnerability index of different districts of Karnataka by considering agronomic, climatic and demographic indicators. The secondary data on climatic, agronomic and demographic factors were collected from various sources for the year 2017-18. The findings of the study as shown that the average vulnerability index for 30 districts is 0.577 and 16 districts placed above the average composite vulnerability index level. Bidar (0.655) is the most vulnerable district followed by Kolar (0.658) and Yadgir (0.638) districts. Shivamogga (0.440), Davanagere (0.486) and Udupi (0.486) districts exhibit the least vulnerability to changing climate. The results suggest that agricultural and climatic indicators are the major factors which influence vulnerability. So special attention should be given to agricultural and climatic sectors to minimize the impacts of climatic change in the most vulnerable districts.
Analysis of Forest Based Mortar and Pestle Marketing in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Aderounmu A. F. , Adepoju A. O.
Published: August 2019

The emerging high level technology is a threat to small scale retail livelihood business in Nigeria. Wood carving business particularly mortar and pestle production and marketing, is an important component of local household economy and culture of many tribes especially in southwestern Nigeria. This study analyzed marketing of mortar and pestle in Oyo state, Nigeria. Primary data were collected through administration of questionnaire using snowballing technique to select 37 traders who are involved in marketing of mortar and pestle in five major markets in Ibadan metropolis. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics to describe socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents while marketing margin analysis was used to determine the profitability in mortar and pestle among the traders. The results revealed that majority of the respondents involved in mortar and pestle marketing were male (90.3) with more than three-quarter having primary education (87.1%). The respondents are in their active and middle age with average age of 38 years. The estimated monthly return on the marketing of mortar and pestle was ₦19,000.00. Vitellaria paradoxa was ranked first among the tree species used in mortar production while Irvingia gabonensis was ranked last. The average price of Vitellaria paradoxa ₦4,000.00 was highest while Pterocarpus soyauxii was the cheapest for all the types of mortar and pestle in terms of size. Majority (90.32%) of the respondents laid emphasis on the type of tree species when choosing mortar and pestle for either domestic or commercial uses. The study therefore recommends that efforts be made towards sustainable forest management and encourage private individuals on establishing economic tree plantations in order to ensure continuous availability of wood species for mortar and pestle business.
Biohydrolysis of Banana and Plantain Peels for the Production of Biofuel
Authors: Jumare F. I. , Magashi A. M. , Rabah A. B. , Sokoto A. M. , Hizbullahi M. U.
Published: August 2019

This study was carried out to assess the potentials of banana and plantain peel as feedstock for biofuel production. Fungi were isolated from spoiled banana, burkutu and spoiled bread using the standard microbiological method. The concentration of reducing sugar of the peels were measured using DNS calorimetry method and biofuel were measured using chromium (VI) reagent by Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometer. Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Mucor racemusus were isolated. A reducing sugar concentration of 59.12 mg/g and 56.62 mg/g was observed for the banana and plantain peels. The highest concentration was found to be 0.35 mg/L for banana peels and 0.10 mg/L for plantain. The IR characterization of the banana and plantain sample revealed an intense strong broad band of alcohol O-H and alkane C-H stretching. The GC-MS result revealed the presence of benzaldehyde in all the biomass while 2,3-butanediol was only detected in the plantain peels biomass. This study showed the potential of banana and plantain peels biomass for biofuel production.
Green Areas and Outdoor Recreational Centres in Ibadan, Nigeria: An Appraisal
Authors: Aderounmu A. F. , Oladele A. T.
Published: August 2019

Aim: To investigate outdoor recreational potentials and constraints in relation to forestry in five recreational sites within Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria.

Study design: The survey was purposively conducted in five (5) locations based on recreational potentials associated with forests and other green environments.

Place and Duration of Study: Bower’s Tower; UI Zoological Gardens; Polo Club; Trans Amusement Park and Agodi Gardens between January and February, 2019.

Methodology: Total enumeration of visitors who patronized the recreation sites during the course of the study was carried out. Structured questionnaires focused on demographic and perception of visitors on benefits and problems of the green recreational centres were sought. In all, 160 respondents were interviewed. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square to test for association between the demographic factors of respondents and their perceptions towards the benefits of green areas.

Results: Most of the visitors were within 21- 40 years (57.5%) old; males (61.2%), unmarried/singles (48.8%) while 89.7% had a tertiary education. Recreational visitors spend between N500:00 and N2000:00 averagely per visit and were acquainted with environmental amelioration benefits such as shade, air purification and watershed protection. Visitors identified poor awareness as a major hindrance towards proper management of the centres. Age, marital status and academic qualifications had significant influence on how respondents spend their leisure using chi-square test at p = 0.01. Age (21–40years) is positively associated with outdoor recreation activities.

Conclusion: Tourists in Ibadan are aware of multiple benefits associated with green space recreation. Also visitors of all ages and marital status visit green spaces for recreational activities.  It is recommended that efforts should be made by owner agencies to improve recreational facilities in the existing urban green areas such as tree planting for improved landscape and engage trained professionals for improved management.
A Instrumentalização da Educação Brasileira: a Reforma do Ensino Médio
Authors: Costa Nayara Ferreira , Da Costa Mauro Gomes , Da Costa Paula Naranjo , Lima Ana Cláudia Sá
Published: August 2019

A reforma do ensino médio sancionada pela Lei nº13.415/2017 é oriunda da impositiva Medida Provisória 746 do governo Temer que visava a progressiva extinção das disciplinas de teor crítico, além de dar ênfase à formação de mão-de-obra barata para o mercado de trabalho, respondendo aos anseios do Banco Mundial. Após a análise documental da Lei de Diretrizes e Bases da Educação Nacional – LDB 9394/1996 é possível inferir que as imposições sofridas à educação brasileira por meio da reforma do Ensino Médio regridem à época ditatorial, de caráter tecnicista e conservador favorecendo a precarização e a privatização da educação brasileira.
Referencial Gramsciano na produção da Revista Germinal: 10 anos de existência
Authors: Sobral Karine Martins , Teófilo Rafaela Maria Teixeira , Dos Santos José Deribaldo Gomes
Published: August 2019

É notório o crescimento do estudo e da difusão do pensamento de Antônio Gramsci no Brasil. Presume-se que a criação do Instituto de Gramsci no Brasil (IGS/Brasil), em 2015, tem contribuído para tal. A educação é uma das principais áreas onde se concentra o maior número de estudos acerca do universo categorial que envolve o autor dos Cadernos do Cárcere*. O objetivo do presente artigo consiste em avaliar como tem se dado a presença do referencial gramsciano nesses 10 anos da revista Germinal. Tomando esse referencial como base, pleiteia-se, especificamente, debater algumas das mais significativas categorias gramscianas utilizadas para compreender o fenômeno educativo.

Es notorio el crecimiento del estudio y de la difusión del pensamiento de Antônio Gramsci en Brasil. Pensamos que la creación del Instituto de Gramsci en Brasil (IGS / Brasil), en 2015, ha contribuido a ello. La educación es una de las principales áreas donde se concentra el mayor número de estudios acerca del universo categorial que involucra al autor de los Cuadernos de la Cárcel. El objetivo del presente artículo consiste en evaluar cómo se ha dado la presencia del referencial gramsciano en esos 10 años de la revista Germinal. Tomando ese referencial como base, se pretende, específicamente, debatir algunas de las más significativas categorías gramscianas utilizadas para comprender el fenómeno educativo.
It’s remarkable the growth of the study and diffusion of Antônio Gramsci's thinking in Brazil. We believe that the creation of the Gramsci Institute in Brazil (IGS / Brazil) in 2015 has contributed to this. Education is one of the main areas where the largest number of studies about the categorial universe involving The Prison Notebooks’ author is concentrated. The aim of the present paper is to evaluate how the presence of the Gramscian referential has occurred in these 10 years of the Germinal magazine. Taking this referential as basis, it is specifically intended to discuss some of the most significant Gramscian categories used to understand the educational phenomenon.
Formação de professores e a educação profissional e tecnológica na Revista Germinal Marxismo e Educação em Debate
Authors: Souza Luiz Aparecido Alves de
Published: August 2019

O interesse central deste texto é apresentar um panorama dos debates acerca da categoria Formação de Professores e a Educação Profissional e Tecnológica na revista Germinal Marxismo e Educação em Debate. Utilizou-se da metodologia do tipo Estado da Arte na circunscrição dos números publicados entre 2009 a 2018. Interroga como é tratada a categoria Formação de Professores e se essa faz relação com a Educação Profissional e Tecnológica. Desse modo, o trabalho foi organizado em três seções, para qual discorremos sobre o tema formação de professores e sua relação com a educação profissional e tecnológica; os debates que a Revista Germinal tem possibilitado apresentar e, por fim, algumas considerações diante do constatado no sentido de ampliarmos o debate acerca da temática.
Presentación de Amauta
Authors: Mariátegui José Carlos
Published: August 2019

Esta revista en el campo intelectual, no representa un grupo. Representa, más bien, un movimiento, un espíritu. En el Perú se siente desde hace algún tiempo una corriente, cada día más vigorosa y definida, de renovación. A los fautores de esta renovación se les llama vanguardistas, socialistas, revolucionarios, etc. La historia no los ha bautizado definitivamente todavía. Existen entre ellos algunas discrepancias formales, algunas diferencias psicológicas. Pero por encima de lo que los diferencia, todos estos espíritus ponen lo que los aproxima y mancomuna: su voluntad de crear un Perú nuevo dentro del mundo nuevo. La inteligencia, la coordinación de los más volitivos de estos elementos, progresan gradualmente. El movimiento -intelectual y espiritual- adquiere poco a poco organicidad. Con la aparición de Amauta entra en una fase de definición.
Germinal: Marxismo e Educação em Debate: Balanço de 10 anos de existência
Authors: Rodrigues Pereira Maria De Fátima
Published: August 2019

Editorial
Comparison of enhancement quantification from virtual unenhanced images to true unenhanced images in multiphase renal Dual‐Energy computed tomography: A phantom study
Authors: Olivia Popnoe D. , Ng Chaan S. , Zhou Shouhao , Cheenu Kappadath S. , Pan Tinsu , Kyle Jones A.
Published: August 2019

Multiphase computed tomography (CT) exams are a commonly used imaging technique for the diagnosis of renal lesions and involve the acquisition of a true unenhanced (TUE) series followed by one or more postcontrast series. The difference in CT number of the mass in pre‐ and postcontrast images is used to quantify enhancement, which is an important criterion used for diagnosis. This study sought to assess the feasibility of replacing TUE images with virtual unenhanced (VUE) images derived from Dual‐Energy CT datasets in renal CT exams. Eliminating TUE image acquisition could reduce patient dose and improve clinical efficiency. A rapid kVp‐switching CT scanner was used to assess enhancement accuracy when using VUE compared to TUE images as the baseline for enhancement calculations across a wide range of clinical scenarios simulated in a phantom study. Three phantoms were constructed to simulate small, medium, and large patients, each with varying lesion size and location. Nonenhancing cystic lesions were simulated using distilled water. Intermediate (10‐20 HU [Hounsfield units]) and positively enhancing masses (≥20 HU) were simulated by filling the spherical inserts in each phantom with varied levels of iodinated contrast mixed with a blood surrogate. The results were analyzed using Bayesian hierarchical models. Posterior probabilities were used to classify enhancement measured using VUE compared to TUE images as significantly less, not significantly different, or significantly higher. Enhancement measured using TUE images was considered the ground truth in this study. For simulation of nonenhancing renal lesions, enhancement values were not significantly different when using VUE versus TUE images, with posterior probabilities ranging from 0.23‐0.56 across all phantom sizes and an associated specificity of 100%. However, for simulation of intermediate and positively enhancing lesions significant differences were observed, with posterior probabilities < 0.05, indicating significantly lower measured enhancement when using VUE versus TUE images. Positively enhancing masses were categorized accurately, with a sensitivity of 91.2%, when using VUE images as the baseline. For all scenarios where iodine was present, VUE‐based enhancement measurements classified lesions with a sensitivity of 43.2%, a specificity of 100%, and an accuracy of 78.1%. Enhancement calculated using VUE images proved to be feasible for classifying nonenhancing and highly enhancing lesions. However, differences in measured enhancement for simulation of intermediately enhancing lesions demonstrated that replacement of TUE with VUE images may not be advisable for renal CT exams.
Imide‐Functionalized Heteroarene‐Based n‐Type Terpolymers Incorporating Intramolecular Noncovalent Sulfur∙∙∙Oxygen Interactions for Additive‐Free All‐Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Sun Huiliang , Liu Bin , Koh Chang Woo , Zhang Yujie , Chen Jianhua , Wang Yang , Chen Peng , Tu Bao , Su Maoyao , Wang Hang , Tang Yumin , Shi Yongqiang , Woo Han Young , Guo Xugang
Published: August 2019

The aggregation/crystallinity of classic n‐type terpolymers based on naphthalene diimide and perylene diimide is challenging to tune due to their rigid and extended cores, leading to suboptimal film morphology. A new strategy for developing high‐performance n‐type terpolymers by incorporating imide‐functionalized heteroarenes is reported here to balance crystallinity and miscibility without sacrificing charge carrier mobilities. The introduction of thienopyrroledione (TPD) into the copolymer f‐BTI2‐FT results in a series of terpolymers BTI2‐xTPD having distinct TPD content. The irregular backbone reduces crystallinity, yielding improved miscibility with the polymer donor. More importantly, TPD triggers noncovalent S⋯O interactions, increasing backbone planarity and in‐chain charge transport. Such interactions also promote face‐on polymer packing. As a result, all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) based on BTI2‐30TPD achieve an optimal power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.28% with a small energy loss (0.53 eV). This efficiency is substantially higher than that of TPD (4.4%) or a BTI2‐based copolymer (6.8%) and is also the highest for additive‐free all‐PSCs based on a terpolymer acceptor. Moreover, the BTI2‐30TPD cell exhibits excellent stability with the PCE retaining 90% of its initial value after 400 h of aging. The results demonstrate that random polymerization using imide‐functionalized heteroarenes is a powerful approach to develop terpolymer acceptors toward efficient and stable all‐polymer solar cell PSCs.
Synergic Catalysts of Polyoxometalate@Cationic Porous Aromatic Frameworks: Reciprocal Modulation of Both Capture and Conversion Materials
Authors: Song Jian , Li Yue , Cao Ping , Jing Xiaofei , Faheem Muhammad , Matsuo Yutaka , Zhu Youliang , Tian Yuyang , Wang Xiaohong , Zhu Guangshan
Published: August 2019

Compositional catalysts based on porous supports and incorporated catalytic nanoparticles have achieved great successes during the past decades. However, rational design of synergic catalysts and modulating the interactions between functional supports and catalytic sites are still far from being well developed. In this work, aiming at overcoming the difficulties of comprehensive screening of porous supports and correspondingly matched catalytic sites, a cationic porous aromatic framework as a capturing platform and polyoxometalate anions as conversion materials are separately designed, and their combination is modularly controlled. The resulting composites show higher catalytic activities than the corresponding conversion sites themselves. Notably, the resulting composites uncommonly exhibit increased surface area and enlarged pore openings after the incorporation of nanoparticles, and lead to the promotion of mass transfer within the porous supports. The emergence of a hierarchical structure with increased surface area induced by guest loading is desired in heterogeneous catalysis. The reciprocal modulation of both capture and conversion materials results in enhanced conversion and increased reaction rate, indicating the successful preparation of synergic catalysts by this separate design approach.
Bias‐Induced Electrochemical Electron Doping of Organic Semiconductor Contacts
Authors: Zhao Chao , Utama Adrian Nugraha , Choo Kim‐Kian , Chua Lay‐Lay , Png Rui‐Qi , Ho Peter K. H.
Published: August 2019

It is well‐known that thin polyethylenimine and polyethylenimine (ethoxylated) (PEIE) layers can reduce the work function of metals, metal oxides, and conducting polymers by 1 eV or more through an interface dipole, but this is not generally sufficient to produce an ohmic electron contact. Here, it is shown that a short, positive‐bias preconditioning can switch the injection characteristics of a self‐assembled monolayer of PEIE on poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonic acid) (PEDT:PSSH) from electron‐blocking to electron‐injecting into poly(N,N′‐bis(2‐octyldodecyl)‐1,4,5,8‐naphthalenebis(dicarboxy‐imide)‐2,6‐diyl)‐alt‐(2,2′‐bithiophene)‐5,5′‐diyl). Despite its low work function (4.0 eV) and favorable energy level alignment, the PEIE‐modified contact is initially blocking because the tunneling barrier limits carrier accumulation. The prebias boosts this accumulation density through an interfacial solid‐state electrochemical process that positively charges the PEIE, which induces charge compensation by mobile electron carriers in the adjacent semiconductor layer through the field effect. This mechanism to trigger the ohmic transition appears to be general, as similar effects, albeit to a small extent, is found in semiconductors with even smaller electron affinity. This is the first example of ohmic electron injection from PEDT:PSSH into an organic semiconductor, which would be useful for fabricating tandem and other cells.
Thickness‐Dependent Optical Properties and In‐Plane Anisotropic Raman Response of the 2D β‐In2S3
Authors: Zhao Yu , Yu Daizhe , Lu Jianting , Tao Li , Chen Zefeng , Yang Yibin , Wei Aixiang , Tao Lili , Liu Jun , Zheng Zhaoqiang , Hao Mingming , Xu Jian‐Bin
Published: August 2019

Recent years have witnessed major advances in development of massive nonlayer structured ultrathin materials, providing great enrichment to the 2D nanomaterial family. The intriguing physical and chemical properties brought by nonlayered nanomaterials have attracted tremendous research interest. In this work, a systematica study of the optical properties of 2D nonlayered β‐diindium trisulfide (β‐In2S3) is reported. The thickness‐dependent photoluminescence (PL), Raman spectra, and absorption property are measured for ultrathin β‐In2S3 flakes and found distinguished from its bulk counterpart. These peculiar features originate from the superficial indium oxide in ultrathin β‐In2S3, as revealed by low‐temperature PL and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement. The Raman vibration modes are identified by Raman spectra measurements combined with calculations using density functional theory. Importantly, the tetragonal β‐In2S3 flakes exhibit strong in‐plane anisotropic Raman response under the angle‐resolved polarized Raman spectroscopy measurements. The results in this paper provide an in‐depth understanding of the emerging 2D nonlayered material In2S3 and pave a fundamental step for its potential applications in future electronics and optoelectronics.
Deformation and removal of viscous thin film by submerged jet impingement
Authors: Lu Jiakai , Corvalan Carlos M. , Huang Jen‐Yi
Published: August 2019

In this work, for the first time, we characterize the deformation and removal dynamics of viscous thin films under submerged jet impingement using direct numerical simulation. The impinging jet deforms the thin film near the impingement region at the beginning until local removed region is formed. Subsequently, the removed region expands due to the shear stress imposed by the jet. At later times, we find that the film is removed in a quasi‐adhesive removal mechanism, and its removal radius as a function of time, follows a scaling law with a universal removal rate for films over a wide range of viscosities. However, the kinetic constant of the removal scaling is highly dependent on the viscosity of the film. We also find that larger initial film thickness may change the removal mechanism, although the scaling law describing the removal rate still applies.
Torlon® hollow fiber membranes for organic solvent reverse osmosis separation of complex aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures
Authors: Jang Hye‐Youn , Johnson J. R. , Ma Yao , Mathias Ronita , Bhandari Dhaval A. , Lively Ryan P.
Published: August 2019

Defect‐free polyamide‐imide (Torlon®) hollow fiber membranes were fabricated to investigate the potential for polymer‐based organic solvent reverse osmosis (OSRO) separations. The quality of the membranes was assessed by gas permeation, and the membranes were found to be defect‐free. Low molecular weight cut‐offs of ~180 g/mol were obtained using a complex mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons relevant to refinery separations. We demonstrate bulk OSRO‐type separations of 80/20 (mol%) mixtures of toluene and 1,3,5‐triisopropylbenzene (TIPB, 204 g/mol). At an upstream pressure of 80–90 bar, we find that the permeate concentration was approximately 98.5–99.0 mol% toluene and that the TIPB rejection coefficient was approximately 90% in the permeate. We observed low solvent permeances of 0.01 L/m2 hr bar, which can be attributed to the low OSRO driving forces and the low permeability of Torlon®. The membranes were found to provide stable performance up to pressures of 95 bar and temperatures of 60°C.
Experimental study of gas swirling flow instability characteristics in a cyclone using the hot‐wire anemometry technique
Authors: Sun Liqiang , Wang Di , Song Jianfei , Liu Jianxin , Wang Jiangyun , Wei Yaodong
Published: August 2019

The instability characteristics of gas swirling flow in a cyclone were investigated experimentally by measuring the instantaneous tangential velocity with the hot‐wire anemometry. The results showed that the instantaneous tangential velocity fluctuated continuously with time at both low and high frequencies. Further analysis of measured data regarding time and frequency domain by probability density and spectral methods revealed that the velocity fluctuation was affected not only by the turbulence flow itself but also by gas swirling flow instability. Also, the distributions of dominant frequency and amplitude indicated that low‐frequency velocity fluctuation caused by the instability had the transfer behavior and attenuation character, which could be characterized by the dominant frequency that varied little along the radial position and decreased gradually along the axial direction, while the amplitude increased significantly with decreased radial position. Due to the gas swirling instability, the turbulence intensity and the fine particle diffusion were enhanced, which would degrade the separation efficiency of cyclone.
A Highly Stable Porous Viologen Polymer for the Catalysis of Debromination Coupling of Benzyl Bromides with High Recyclability
Authors: Tang Jia‐Kang , Yu Shang‐Bo , Liu Chuan‐Zhi , Wang Hui , Zhang Dan‐Wei , Li Zhan‐Ting
Published: August 2019

A highly stable porous organic polymer bipy‐POP has been prepared from the reaction of 4,4′‐bipyridine and tetrakis(4‐(bromomethyl)phenyl)methane in N‐methylpyrrolidone at 110 °C. Bipy‐POP exhibited high efficiency in catalyzing the reductive debromination of a variety of benzyl bromides in N,N‐dimethylformamide with dithionite as reductive reagent. For substrates that bear electron‐donating group(s) on the benzene ring, the reactions selectively afforded dibenzyl sulfone derivatives. Generally, substrates that bear an electron‐withdrawing group on the benzene ring gave rise to coupling products ethane derivatives. As exceptions, F, Cl or CF3‐contained substrates were found to selectively produce sulfone derivatives. The recyclability of bipy‐POP for the catalysis of the reaction of (4‐fluorophenyl)methyl bromide and diphenylmethyl bromide, which afforded the corresponding sulfone or ethane derivative, revealed that, after 40 times of repeated use, the heterogeneous catalysis did not exhibit important decrease of the activity.
Listen, learn, build, deliver? Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy in the National Disability Insurance Scheme
Authors: Gordon Tess , Dew Angela , Dowse Leanne
Published: August 2019

Despite an increased focus in recent years on Aboriginal people with disability within disability studies and advocacy, limited attention has been paid to Aboriginal people in Australian disability services policy. This article examines the consultation with Aboriginal organisations for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), a new disability policy personalising care through individual service funding packages. The article interrogates how, and to what extent, the government has sought and incorporated the views of Aboriginal people with disability into NDIS policy. Using thematic content analysis, governmental NDIS‐related documents are compared with Aboriginal organisation submissions and public hearing transcripts, to identify tensions in perspectives regarding Aboriginal peoples' participation in the NDIS. The article concludes that governmental responsiveness to Aboriginal organisations in the NDIS operates from predetermined constructions of Aboriginality and disability.
Electron Deficient Monomers that Optimize Nucleation and Enhance the Photocatalytic Redox Activity of Carbon Nitrides
Authors: Zhang Guigang , Liu Minghui , Heil Tobias , Zafeiratos Spiros , Savateev Aleksandr , Antonietti Markus , Wang Xinchen
Published: August 2019

Polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) is usually synthesized from nitrogen‐rich monomers such as cyanamide, melamine, and urea, but is rather disordered in many cases. Now, a new allotrope of carbon nitride with internal heterostructures was obtained by co‐condensation of very electron poor monomers (for example, 5‐amino‐tetrazole and nucleobases) in the presence of mild molten salts (for example, NaCl/KCl) to mediate the polymerization kinetics and thus modulate the local structure, charge carrier properties, and most importantly the HOMO and LUMO levels. Results reveal that the as‐prepared NaK‐PHI‐A material shows excellent photo‐redox activities because of a nanometric hetero‐structure which enhances visible light absorption and promotes charge separation in the different domains.
The Parent Diarsene HAs=AsH as Side‐on Bound Ligand in an Iron Carbonyl Complex
Authors: Rund Reinhard , Balázs Gábor , Bodensteiner Michael , Scheer Manfred
Published: August 2019

The terminal diarsene HAs=AsH ligand attracts special interest concerning its bonding relation in comparison to its isolable relative, ethene. Herein, by the methanolysis of [{Fe(CO)4}As(SiMe3)3] (1) the synthesis of [{Fe(CO)4}(η2‐As2H2)] (2) is reported, containing a parent diarsene as unprecedented side‐on coordinated ligand. Following this synthetic route, also the D‐labeled complex [{Fe(CO)4}(η2‐As2D2)] (2D) could be isolated. The electronic structure and bonding situation of2was elucidated by DFT calculations revealing that2is best described as an olefin‐like complex. Moreover, the reactivity of2towards the Lewis acids [{M(CO)5}(thf)] (M=Cr, W) was investigated, leading to the complexes [Fe(CO)4AsHW(CO)5]2(3) and [{Fe(CO)4}2AsH{Cr(CO)5}] (4), respectively.
McArdle disease causing rhabdomyolysis following vaginal delivery
Authors: McMillan B. M. , Hirshberg J. S. , Cosgrove S. C.
Published: August 2019

McArdle disease (glycogen storage disease type V) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder with an incidence of roughly 1:100,000. Despite concern that labour could predispose these patients to muscle damage, there are no evidence‐based guidelines for the management of labour and delivery in this population. We describe the case of a nulliparous parturient with both McArdle disease and adenosine monophosphate deaminase 1 deficiency who developed rhabdomyolysis after vaginal delivery. In the absence of common triggers, we believe that prolonged pushing efforts contributed to the increase in postpartum creatinine kinase. There are no previous cases of postpartum rhabdomyolysis after caesarean or assisted vaginal delivery within 45 min. We recommend that practitioners be alert to the possibility of rhabdomyolysis occurring with greater than 2 h of pushing efforts in parturients with McArdle disease.